Every powered prosthetic has one thing in common. It depends on electronics to work.
That means the most life-changing parts—like grip control, movement response, or feedback—run on batteries, circuit boards, and charging systems.
These parts are powerful. But they’re also delicate.
Over time, they wear out. They stop holding charge. Buttons break. Wires loosen. And when that happens, users are often left wondering—how much will this cost to fix?
This is where many people feel stuck. Most clinics don’t explain the real cost of repairs upfront. Warranties don’t last forever. And imported bionic hands often charge in dollars, not rupees.
This blog will show you the actual, real-world repair costs for the three most common components in powered prosthetics: batteries, chargers, and boards.
We’ll break it down piece by piece. What breaks most often. What it costs to fix in India. And how to avoid paying more than you need to.
Understanding Prosthetic Batteries: Types, Lifespan, and Signs of Failure
What Do Prosthetic Batteries Actually Do?
The battery is the heart of every powered prosthesis. It supplies the energy needed for movement, grip, and feedback.
Without a healthy battery, your prosthetic hand or arm becomes unresponsive. It won’t open, close, or react to your muscle signals.
For users of bionic hands like Grippy, the battery is what keeps the system running all day—whether you’re picking up a glass of water, typing on a keyboard, or waving at someone.
Types of Batteries Used in Prosthetics
Most modern prosthetic devices use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These are similar to what you find in smartphones or laptops—but designed to meet medical-grade safety standards.
Some older or budget-friendly devices may still use nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, but these are becoming rare because they’re heavier and hold less charge.
The quality and design of the battery directly impact how long the prosthesis can run between charges.
How Long Do These Batteries Last?
Generally, a high-quality lithium-ion battery in a prosthetic limb lasts 12 to 24 months, depending on usage and care.
If you’re wearing your prosthetic all day and using it actively—like gripping, holding, or interacting with objects frequently—you’ll use up battery cycles faster.
Frequent charging, extreme temperatures, and poor storage also affect lifespan.
Most users start noticing battery problems between the 18 to 24-month mark. This is when charge begins to drain faster or doesn’t last a full day anymore.
Early Signs Your Battery Is Failing
One of the first signs is reduced runtime. If your hand used to last all day and now only lasts a few hours, it’s a red flag.
You might also notice the prosthetic turns off suddenly—even when it was showing full or half charge.
Some users report heating issues. The prosthesis may feel unusually warm near the battery compartment. That’s another warning that the internal cells are degrading.
Sometimes, the battery won’t charge at all. You plug it in, but nothing happens. This could mean the battery or the charger has failed.
In rare cases, swelling or leakage can occur. If this happens, stop using the device immediately and contact your service provider. A swollen battery is a safety risk and needs immediate attention.
Cost of Battery Replacement in India
Replacing a prosthetic battery in India can cost between ₹2,500 and ₹10,000, depending on:
- The type of battery (standard or advanced)
- Whether it’s a branded or third-party battery
- Labor and service charges included by your clinic or manufacturer
At RoboBionics, for example, we use high-efficiency, medical-grade lithium-ion batteries for Grippy. The cost of replacement—including service—usually ranges from ₹3,500 to ₹6,500, depending on model and warranty status.
Imported bionic hands, especially those from the US or Europe, may charge over ₹15,000–₹30,000 for battery replacements because parts must be ordered internationally.
Planning ahead and knowing when your warranty expires can help you avoid surprise costs.
Chargers and Charging Ports: What Goes Wrong and What It Costs to Fix
Why Charging Systems Matter So Much
Without a proper charger, even the best battery becomes useless.
Chargers are what deliver power to the battery. They must be reliable, safe, and perfectly compatible with your prosthetic device.
If the charger fails—or even if the charging port inside the prosthetic loosens—you could be left with a device that can’t be used for days.
That’s why understanding how the charging system works is just as important as knowing about the battery itself.
Common Charger Issues in Powered Prosthetics
Most users don’t expect the charger to be the problem, but it often is.
A very common issue is loose connectors. The port where the charger plugs in can get weak with regular use, especially if the prosthesis is charged daily and the cable is pulled or bent often.
Some users face broken wires inside the charger. This happens when the charger is folded tightly, packed carelessly, or dropped.
Another issue is overheating during charging. This might mean the charger isn’t matching the voltage needs of your battery. Continued overheating can damage both the battery and the board.
Sometimes, the charging port on the prosthetic itself becomes loose or corroded—especially in humid conditions or if exposed to moisture regularly.
In some cases, the charger light stays off, or the prosthesis doesn’t respond even after hours of charging. This might be due to a dead charger or a faulty port.
How to Spot Charger or Port Failures Early
Here are a few early signs you should look for:
- You plug in the charger, but the prosthetic doesn’t charge at all.
- The charging time becomes unusually long.
- The prosthetic turns off soon after unplugging—even when it showed a full charge.
- You notice heat, sparks, or a burning smell near the port or charger.
- The charging pin feels wobbly or doesn’t sit tightly in the socket.
Any of these signs indicate that it’s time to have the charger or charging port checked.
Delaying a repair here can cause long-term damage to your battery and even to the prosthetic’s motherboard.
Real-World Charger Repair Costs in India
In India, the cost of replacing a prosthetic charger varies based on the type, brand, and availability.
For standard 5V or 12V medical-grade chargers, prices typically range between ₹1,500 to ₹4,000. These are used in devices like the Grippy bionic hand and other lightweight prosthetic arms.
If the charger includes a smart charge controller or custom pins, the cost can go up to ₹5,000 or more, especially for imported models.
Replacing a charging port inside the prosthesis may cost ₹1,000 to ₹2,500, depending on how the internal layout is designed. Some boards require soldering or complete housing disassembly, which adds labor cost.
At RoboBionics, if your prosthesis is under warranty, we often provide free or discounted charger replacement. Out-of-warranty charger replacements cost around ₹1,800 to ₹3,500, depending on model and age.
We also ensure that users receive proper guidance on how to safely store and handle their charger to prevent avoidable issues in the future.
Motherboards and Control Boards: The Most Expensive Repairs in a Prosthetic Device
What Is a Prosthetic Motherboard?
The motherboard, or control board, is the brain of your prosthetic limb.
It processes the myoelectric signals from your muscles. It decides when to open or close the hand. It manages grip strength, speed, and sometimes even touch feedback.
In short, without the motherboard, the prosthetic hand is just a mechanical shell. No movement. No function.
It’s a small but powerful circuit, often packed with sensors, microchips, and delicate wiring. And because it’s so critical, any damage to it can completely shut down your prosthetic.
Why Motherboards Are So Vulnerable
Prosthetic boards are tightly packed into a small space. They deal with signals, voltage, heat, and sometimes moisture—all at once.
Over time, they can get damaged due to:
- Power surges during charging
- Moisture exposure, especially from sweat in hot climates
- Impact damage if the prosthesis is dropped
- Battery leakage, which can corrode circuits
- Worn connectors that slowly loosen and cause short circuits
Unlike a battery or charger, a motherboard issue isn’t always visible. That’s why users often think something else is broken—until a full diagnostic reveals the truth.
Early Signs of Board Damage
Here’s what to watch for:
- Your prosthesis doesn’t respond to muscle signals anymore
- Movements are delayed or inconsistent
- The hand or arm randomly opens and closes without you doing anything
- It turns off by itself, even with a full battery
- You hear clicking or feel heat near the central housing area
Sometimes, a damaged board causes subtle behavior changes—like a weak grip or slower reaction. These are early signs the board is struggling to process signals correctly.
Why Businesses Must Think Beyond the Device: A Strategic Look at Prosthetic Electronics
The Rise of Electrically Powered Prosthetics—and What It Means for Businesses
The prosthetics industry in India is evolving quickly. What once revolved around mechanical systems is now shifting to devices with built-in batteries, smart sensors, control boards, and responsive electronic parts.
And while this opens the door to advanced user experiences—like better grip, smoother motion, and more natural feedback—it also introduces a critical business challenge: long-term electronic support.
If your clinic, startup, or hospital is offering powered prosthetics, the real work begins after the device is sold.
Because as devices become smarter, they also become more sensitive. Batteries degrade. Chargers wear out. Ports corrode. Boards fail. If you don’t plan for these repairs in advance, you’ll lose user trust—and quickly.
Don’t Just Sell Features. Sell Longevity.
Selling a high-tech bionic hand or myoelectric limb is exciting. But for users, the question that matters more than “What can this device do?” is “What happens when something goes wrong?”
This is where many prosthetic businesses fall short.
They focus on showcasing grip modes, touchscreen apps, or futuristic looks—but don’t explain how the battery is replaced, how often the charger breaks, or what a control board repair might cost.
To build lasting trust, businesses must shift the conversation from “just function” to “function plus support.”
Here’s where your brand can stand out.
Actionable Advice: Build Your Electronics Service Model Before You Scale
Before rolling out smart prosthetics at scale, consider these practical steps:
1. Partner with Local Electronics Repair Experts:
Most control board failures don’t require replacing the entire unit. Often, a burnt resistor or bad solder joint is the issue. If you train or partner with a trusted local technician, you can keep repair costs under control and minimize downtime for users.
2. Keep a Stock of Critical Components:
Waiting weeks for a charger or board to arrive from overseas frustrates users and creates service bottlenecks. Keep backups of fast-moving items—like batteries, motherboards, and connectors—in stock, even in small volumes.
3. Offer a Pre-Defined Repair Menu:
List out common repair services with fixed or estimated costs. When users know upfront what to expect, they are more likely to return for service rather than seeking unverified third-party fixes.
4. Make Preventive Maintenance a Habit:
Don’t wait for the prosthetic to fail. Schedule annual health checks, even if the device seems to be working fine. Early diagnosis of overheating boards, loose battery connections, or corroded ports can prevent major repairs later.
5. Train Your Sales Team on Post-Sale Support:
Every salesperson should be able to clearly explain what kind of aftercare the user can expect, what’s covered under warranty, and how repairs are handled. A confident explanation builds immediate credibility.
Helping Users Means Helping Your Business Grow
In India, powered prosthetics are still a major investment. For many families, it takes years of saving or fundraising to afford one.
When something breaks, they’re often unprepared—and without a clear path to repair, they may stop using the device altogether.
By building a repair-friendly system, you’re not just providing a fix—you’re providing reassurance. You’re telling users, “We’re here, even when things go wrong.”
And that kind of relationship leads to better outcomes, more referrals, and a brand that people talk about with pride.
Now, let’s get into the most complex and expensive repair you’ll face as a provider: the motherboard.
Real-World Motherboard Repair Costs in India
This is where it gets serious.
Replacing a prosthetic control board is one of the most expensive repairs. Costs range from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 depending on the brand, complexity, and availability.
Imported bionic devices may charge even higher—₹40,000 to ₹80,000—especially if the board has to be shipped from overseas and installed by trained technicians.
At RoboBionics, we’ve designed Grippy’s control board using mostly locally sourced, serviceable components. This means repairs can be done in-house, and we usually bring costs down to ₹8,000 to ₹15,000, depending on the issue.
We also keep backups of commonly used boards so users don’t have to wait weeks for a replacement.
For minor board repairs—such as re-soldering a loose wire or replacing a single burnt-out component—the cost may be as low as ₹2,500 to ₹5,000.
But if the entire board is fried or water-damaged beyond repair, a full replacement is needed.
How to Protect the Board and Avoid High Costs
Avoid using third-party or cheap chargers. Use only those provided or recommended by your prosthetist.
Keep your prosthesis dry—especially around the wrist and socket area. If you sweat a lot, consider using a moisture barrier or cover.
Don’t ignore odd behavior. If the hand twitches, loses grip, or slows down, bring it in for a quick diagnostic. Catching a fault early may save you thousands.
Also, try not to drop your prosthesis on hard surfaces. Even a short fall can jar the board or crack its soldering points inside.
Warranty, Service Plans, and How RoboBionics Makes Repairs Affordable for Users
The Reality of Repair Costs Over Time
If you own a powered prosthetic hand or limb, you’ll likely face at least one major repair every 18 to 24 months.
Whether it’s a battery, charger, port, or board, these components don’t last forever. And when they fail, the cost can range from a few thousand rupees to well over ₹30,000—depending on the part and brand.
Without a clear service plan or warranty, these costs can hit unexpectedly. Many users—even those who saved for years to buy their prosthesis—find themselves unable to afford the repairs later.
This is why planning for ongoing maintenance and support is just as important as the initial purchase.
What Most Warranties Cover—and What They Don’t
Most prosthetic devices in India come with a 1-year to 2-year limited warranty. But here’s what many users don’t realize:
- Warranties usually cover only manufacturing defects, not damage from water, drops, or regular wear and tear.
- Batteries are often covered for only 6 months to 1 year, even if the device has a longer warranty.
- Chargers and cables are considered accessories and may be excluded from coverage altogether.
- Any third-party repair can void your warranty entirely—even if it’s a small fix.
Before buying a device, it’s crucial to ask what exactly is covered. Get it in writing if possible. That way, you’re not surprised when a repair bill arrives.
How RoboBionics Reduces the Burden of Repair Costs
At RoboBionics, we know that long-term success with a prosthesis depends on affordable, accessible support.
That’s why we offer:
- Transparent repair pricing upfront—so you know what to expect
- Free diagnostics and checkups during your warranty period
- Affordable service even after the warranty ends, especially for recurring needs like battery or charger replacements
- Locally sourced spare parts, which helps us keep costs 30–50% lower than imported brands
- Remote support options, so minor issues can sometimes be resolved without a clinic visit
We also keep users informed about signs of wear, how to clean safely, and when to bring the device in—because prevention is always cheaper than repair.
Annual Maintenance Plans That Actually Help
To make things even easier, we’ve introduced optional Annual Service Packages.
These include:
- One full diagnostic and cleaning per year
- Battery and charger health checks
- Discounted repairs for out-of-warranty parts
- Priority service and shorter turnaround time
For most users, these plans cost less than a single repair and give peace of mind that help is always just a call away.
You don’t need to figure it out alone. We guide you through the whole process—clearly, patiently, and always with your best interest at heart.
Final Thoughts: Plan for Power, Not Panic
Powered prosthetics are a gift of freedom. But like any advanced tool, they need care, parts, and power to keep working well.
The good news is that with the right partner and a little planning, repairs don’t have to be a burden.
At RoboBionics, we’ve made it our mission to make repair costs more predictable, support more accessible, and technology more human.
If you already use a prosthetic and are unsure about your battery, board, or charger, come in for a quick check. If you’re planning to buy one soon, talk to us about a full-service plan from day one.
Book a free consultation today at
www.robobionics.in/bookdemo
Let’s keep your prosthesis powered, protected, and ready for whatever life brings.