What Bioservo Technologies does

Bioservo Technologies (legal entity Bioservo AB) is a Swedish medical technology company founded in 2006 and headquartered in Kista, Stockholm. The company develops the Carbonhand, a soft robotic grip-strengthening glove powered by its patented SEM (Soft Extra Muscle) technology platform. SEM combines pressure-sensitive sensors that detect the user's grip intention with small electric motors that pull artificial tendons sewn into the glove, delivering proportional force amplification based on the user's own effort. The system is supported by a mobile app for profile customization and by the Carbonhand Academy, an online clinician training platform. Bioservo targets individuals with impaired hand function resulting from neurological and neuromuscular conditions (spinal cord injury, ALS, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Inclusion Body Myositis) and orthopedic injuries.

The business model is hardware sales of the Carbonhand system (glove plus portable power unit), sold in five sizes for right and left hands. In the United States, the primary commercial channel is prescription-based dispensing through VA Medical Centers, with the device covered by VA benefits and listed on the VA Federal Supply Schedule; non-Veteran U.S. patients can access the device via insurance reimbursement (Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Worker's Comp, commercial). A strategic collaboration with Limb Lab extends U.S. reach in five states, and a network of sales agents covers more than 80% of U.S. VA Medical Centers. Outside the U.S., Carbonhand is sold through trained distributors in Australia, Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom; in Sweden, the company also works with the public employment service (Arbetsförmedlingen) to deploy the device as a vocational aid.

The company is private, founder/management-controlled, and small (11–50 employees), with no disclosed institutional or PE ownership. The 2024 divestiture of the Ironhand product line to Skelex reflects a strategic focus on Carbonhand. Cumulative disclosed funding is modest (~$4.3M across rounds dating back to 2007, with the most recent listed round in 2017 at $0), and no current revenue figure is disclosed. Clinical evidence supporting efficacy includes studies with more than 300 participants, conducted with academic partners including Karolinska University Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, LSU, and Tulane.

Name

Bioservo Technologies

Legal name

Bioservo AB

Website

https://bioservo.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Bioservo Technologies is a Swedish medical device company that makes the Carbonhand grip-strengthening glove using patented SEM soft exoskeleton technology. It serves patients with impaired hand function from neurological and orthopedic conditions via VA Medical Centers, orthotics providers, and a 9+ country distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wearable Medical Robotics / Assistive Rehabilitation Devices

NAICS

Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845), Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Limb Prosthetics (Upper/Lower Extremity Prosthetic Systems) (HLAHAEAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Prosthetic Components & Rehabilitation Accessories (Liners, Feet, Knees, Sockets) (HLAHAMAD), Sports & Active Rehabilitation Devices (Adaptive Sports Mobility, Performance Prosthetics) (HLAHAMAJ)

Keywords

• Wearable medical robotics
• Soft exoskeleton devices
• Grip strengthening glove
• Assistive rehabilitation technology
• Wearable muscle augmentation

Headquarters

HQ city

Kista

HQ country

Sweden

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Carbonhand Device Sales: Bioservo generates revenue primarily through the sale of its Carbonhand assistive device, a grip-strengthening glove system. The device is sold through VA Medical Centers (covered by VA benefits for US Veterans), global distributors, and insurance reimbursement for non-veteran US patients. The system is available in five sizes for right and left hands.
2. Prescription/Veteran Healthcare Channel: Carbonhand is available through VA Medical Centers by prescription, with the device covered by veteran benefits. This creates a reimbursement-based revenue stream through the VA healthcare system. Non-veteran patients can obtain reimbursement through insurance including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Workers' Comp.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Bioservo Technologies designs, manufactures, and sells the Carbonhand grip-strengthening assistive glove, a wearable soft exoskeleton system powered by its patented SEM (Soft Extra Muscle) technology. The glove uses pressure sensors to detect grip initiation and small electric motors to pull artificial tendons, providing proportional grip assistance to users with impaired hand function. The company also offers a Bluetooth-connected mobile app for profile customization and the Carbonhand Academy online training platform.

Product overview

Bioservo Technologies offers a portfolio of wearable assistive devices centered on the Carbonhand grip-strengthening glove. The core product is the Carbonhand system, which includes the assistive glove, a power unit, and a mobile app. The company also developed the SEM (Soft Extra Muscle) technology platform that powers its products. The latest generation is Carbonhand C1, launched in April 2025, featuring enhanced customization options and improved usability. The ecosystem includes the Bioservo Academy for training and education.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Carbonhand: A cutting-edge assistive glove designed to strengthen grip and improve hand function for individuals with limited strength. Features pressure sensors that detect grip initiation and apply motorized assistance to ensure firm grip. Uses proprietary Soft Extra Muscle (SEM) technology.

Products and services

• Carbonhand A grip-strengthening assistive glove with pressure sensors that detect grip initiation and apply motorized assistance through artificial tendons, designed for individuals with impaired hand function due to neurological, neuromuscular, orthopedic, or rheumatic conditions. Available in five sizes for right and left hands and distributed through VA Medical Centers, global distributors, and insurance reimbursement channels.
• Carbonhand C1 The latest generation of the Carbonhand assistive glove, adding customizable finger support options, faster on-glove calibration, a one-step arm strap system, and an app-adjustable palm sensor for users with limited finger mobility.
• Carbonhand Mobile App Mobile application for iOS and Android that pairs with the Carbonhand glove via Bluetooth, allowing users to create and switch personalized grip profiles and adjust the amount of force the glove provides, with a quick-switch button on the wrist.
• Carbonhand Academy Online training and education platform providing clinicians and users with comprehensive instruction on how Carbonhand works, how to wear and handle the system, how to configure it for individual patients, and the supporting clinical evidence.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 50 Veterans have benefited from Carbonhand, regaining ability to cook, garden, hold tools, and perform daily activities independently.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Limb LabcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 25 November 2024Bioservo entered a strategic collaboration with Limb Lab to expand Carbonhand accessibility across the United States. Limb Lab, an independently-owned orthotics and prosthetics provider with over a decade of experience, makes Carbonhand available to patients in Arizona, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Iowa — significantly expanding access to this transformative technology for people with impaired hand function.
• VA Medical CenterscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCarbonhand is available at VA Medical Centers across the United States by prescription for eligible US Veterans. The device is covered by VA benefits and listed on the VA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS). Over 50 VA Medical Centers have provided Carbonhand to Veterans, with the network growing monthly. A sales agent network covers over 80% of VA Medical Centers.
• EXXOMOVE GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEXXOMOVE GmbH took over the exclusive representation of the hand orthosis Carbonhand in Germany as of September 17, 2024. They have been appointed to represent Bioservo in the German market and have attended extensive product training.
• Karolinska University HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKarolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden initiated a clinical study on improved physical function using Carbonhand in persons with Inclusion Body Myositis, presented at the Global Conference on Myositis in Pittsburgh, USA. The study was conducted in collaboration with multiple institutions.
• Louisiana State University and Tulane University Schools of MedicineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on a clinical study investigating if a power-enhancing glove (Carbonhand) is feasible for persons with Inclusion Body Myositis. Data was collected during The Myositis Association's patient conference.
• Washington University School of MedicineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on clinical research study on Carbonhand for Inclusion Body Myositis patients.
• The Ohio State University College of MedicineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on clinical research study on Carbonhand for Inclusion Body Myositis patients.
• The Myositis Association (TMA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBioservo collaborated with The Myositis Association for data collection at the TMA patient conference in September 2023, supporting a clinical study on Carbonhand for Inclusion Body Myositis.
• Arbetsförmedlingen (Swedish Public Employment Service)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBioservo collaborated with the Swedish Public Employment Service to deploy Carbonhand as a work aid. Approximately 70 people have been able to continue or return to work through this collaboration.
• Base Medical and The Brainary (Australia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAppointed distributors for Carbonhand in Australia. Both companies have attended extensive product training and represent Bioservo in the Australian market.
• Ergo Diffusion (France)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAppointed distributor for Carbonhand in France. Has attended extensive product training.
• Assistive Innovations (Netherlands)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAppointed distributor for Carbonhand in the Netherlands. Has attended extensive product training.
• Cypromed (Norway)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAppointed distributor for Carbonhand in Norway. Has attended extensive product training.
• Active Communication AG (Switzerland)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAppointed distributor for Carbonhand in Switzerland. Has attended extensive product training.
• Anatomical Concepts Ltd (United Kingdom)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAppointed distributor for Carbonhand in the United Kingdom. Has attended extensive product training.
• Platus Learning Systems GmbH (Austria)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAppointed distributor for Carbonhand in Austria. Has attended extensive product training.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Saebo: Saebo specializes in upper-extremity rehabilitation devices for stroke and neurological injury patients. Both companies target the same clinical use case (restoring hand and arm function), sell through therapists and rehabilitation providers, and address the same patient populations.
• Tyromotion: Tyromotion develops robotic and computer-assisted rehabilitation devices for upper extremities, including the Diego and Pablo systems. Both companies target neurological and orthopedic hand rehabilitation through evidence-based clinical channels.
• Skelex: Skelex acquired the Ironhand product rights from Bioservo in June 2024, making it the most direct comparable — both develop soft exoskeleton grip-assist devices using motorized artificial tendons. Skelex focuses on industrial applications while Bioservo focuses on medical, but the underlying technology and value proposition are closely aligned.

Broad incumbents

• ReWalk Robotics: ReWalk Robotics develops wearable robotic exoskeletons for individuals with spinal cord injury and stroke. While ReWalk focuses on lower-extremity mobility, both companies operate in the wearable robotic exoskeleton category with similar regulatory and reimbursement pathways in the US.
• Ottobock: Ottobock is a global leader in prosthetics, orthotics, and exoskeletons (Paexo). It competes with Bioservo in the upper-limb rehabilitation space and shares clinical channels, orthotics/prosthetics provider networks (Limb Lab-like distribution), and rehabilitation-center relationships.
• Hocoma (a DIH Medical company): Hocoma is a global leader in robotic rehabilitation devices (Lokomat, Armeo) for clinical and research settings. Both companies sell rehabilitation technology to hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, with overlapping customer bases and similar evidence-based selling motions.
• Ekso Bionics: Ekso Bionics is a publicly-traded exoskeleton developer focused on walking rehabilitation (Ekso GT) and stroke recovery. While Ekso focuses on lower-extremity rigid exoskeletons and Bioservo on upper-extremity soft exoskeletons, both compete in the clinical rehabilitation robotics market with similar reimbursement and VA channels.
• Cyberdyne: Cyberdyne develops the HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) robotic exoskeleton series for medical and industrial applications. It is a broader incumbent in the wearable exoskeleton category with significant overlap in target indications (stroke, SCI) and regulatory pathways (FDA, CE-marked medical devices).

Regional players

• Abilia: Abilia is a Scandinavian assistive technology company (with Mikael Wester on Bioservo's marketing team having prior experience there). Both companies develop assistive devices for individuals with disabilities in Northern European markets, with overlapping distribution and customer relationships in Sweden.

Emerging players

• Bionik Laboratories: Bionik Laboratories develops robotic rehabilitation technologies (InMotion ARM) for upper-extremity recovery post-stroke. It is a smaller, publicly-traded emerging player in the same clinical hand-rehabilitation category with overlapping patient populations and selling motions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Bioservo
• Facebookfacebook.com/bioservo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bioservo-technologies

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bioservo Technologies