Last week, in the heat and energy of Orlando, we hit a milestone we’ve been building toward for over half a decade: Metacarpal’s first national conference — the American Orthotics and Prosthetics Association (AOPA) Assembly.
It was the first time showcasing the Metacarpal GEM in a major setting. It felt like a moment of alignment where our years of engineering, frustration, iteration, and ambition finally met the community we’ve been designing for.
“It just works.” From the second the exhibition floor opened, the message was clear: GEM represents a different kind of prosthetic. Not robotic. Not flashy. But solid, intuitive, body-powered, and above all, trusted. Clinicians didn’t need long explanations. Users didn’t need a manual. You could feel it in the reactions:
“Wow, it feels sturdy.”
“This is what I need for patients who break everything else.”
“The function he gets is really hard to beat.”
It was confirmation that what we set out to build, a mechanical system that understands real-world use, was hitting home.
Push-Ups and Proof
The heart of the moment wasn’t in the product display. It was in a moment of spontaneity. Garet, our product ambassador and someone who wears GEM daily, dropped to the floor and did push-ups with GEM bearing the full weight of his body. We’re not building for demonstration. We’re building for reliability. And there’s no better test than someone trusting their full weight to a device in front of a room full of experts.
Florida, Scotch, and Scottish Engineering
To help people interact with GEM directly, our team designed a Florida-themed game that let attendees try the hand for themselves. It wasn’t a tech showcase — it was a tactile, intuitive moment that mirrored how GEM is meant to work: simply, reliably, and with immediate feedback.
And in true Metacarpal fashion, we added a nod to our Scottish roots: a bottle of Bunnahabhain Scotch for one lucky winner. (Possibly the only time you’ll hear “single malt” and “body-powered prosthetic” in the same sentence.)
Best in Show and What Comes Next
By the end of the week, we were honoured to be awarded Best in Show: New Product. It’s the kind of recognition that means something, not just for our team, but for our philosophy: listen to users, build what they trust, and never compromise on function. The momentum coming out of AOPA has been incredible. In the months ahead, we’ll be taking GEM on the road. Myself and Erica will be travelling across the US to meet clinicians, demo GEM, and get hands-on with the people who matter most. If you’re interested in seeing GEM in action, whether for yourself, your patients, or your clinic, now is the time to reach out. Slots are filling quickly.
Final Thoughts
In a field where complexity often overshadows usability, GEM is making a case for a different path forward:
Back to the body. Forward with trust. Thanks to everyone who stopped by, gave feedback, or just said, “Wait… you built that?” Yes, we did. And we’re just getting started.
Book your demo HERE.
