The socio-economic impact of robotic prosthetics: the Hannes hand case study

Social impact assessment has gained increasing attention in recent years, emphasizing the added value and social changes brought by project activities alongside the sustainability of social actions. This study evaluates the economic and social impact of a robotics research project culminating in the development of Hannes, an advanced prosthetic hand resulting from collaboration between the Italian Institute of Technology and the Italian National Insurance Institute. Hannes is used in robotic assistance to treat individuals with upper limb differences. Data were collected through a clinical study involving myoelectric prostheses users who underwent functional and psychosocial assessments before and after using Hannes. The Social Return On Investment (SROI) methodology is employed to evaluate the impacts of the robotic device by analyzing qualitative, quantitative, and financial data to estimate the value created by research activities. Preliminary results suggest that for every euro invested, approximately 9 euros of social value are generated. This revelation highlights the substantial positive impact of Hannes and underscores the potential for further advancements in the field of robotics to improve the lives of individuals with limb loss. By providing a comprehensive analysis, this research contributes to understanding the broader social benefits of innovative healthcare technologies that mitigate social inequalities.