Nigerian Bionic Arm Named Among TIME’s Best Inventions

A Nigerian-made prosthetic, the Ubokobong Bionic Arm, has been named among TIME magazine’s Best Inventions of 2026.

The arm, developed by Immortal Cosmetic Art, was included in the accessibility category of the list published on October 15, 2026.

According to TIME, the myoelectric prosthetic uses muscle signals to control its movements and is now being used by clients in 56 countries.

How the Ubokobong Bionic Arm began

TIME reported that the project began on New Year’s Day in 2019, when Ubokobong Amanam lost his fingers in a fireworks accident in Nigeria.

The magazine said he subsequently struggled to find a prosthetic that matched his dark skin tone.

His brother, John Amanam, a special-effects artist, responded by creating a hyperrealistic hand for him. The brothers later established Immortal Cosmetic Art to produce lifelike prosthetics for other Black amputees.

“We try to restore comfort and confidence to the amputee,” Ubokobong told TIME.

The magazine reported that John, who has a background in technology and electronics, later developed a prosthetic that combined realistic appearance with functionality.

That effort led to the creation of the Ubokobong Bionic Arm, which has since gained international recognition.

Nigerian innovation attracts international interest

The recognition follows earlier international attention for the company and its prosthetic technology.

Reuters reported in August 2025 that the Uyo-based firm had received orders from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Ghana before the arm’s official launch.

The report also highlighted the challenges many Nigerian amputees face in accessing prosthetics because of their high cost and limited availability.

John Amanam, the company’s chief executive, described the product as being built for Africans by Africans, according to Reuters.

The news agency reported that developing the arm took about three years of research. At the time, no date had been announced for its official launch.

The inclusion of the Ubokobong Bionic Arm on TIME’s 2026 list highlights the growing international recognition of Nigerian innovation in assistive technology and accessible prosthetic design.