A participant uses a smart bionic hand to practice calligraphy during a demonstration. [Photo/BrainCo Technology]

Zhejiang province has completed its 2025 special program to fit smart bionic prosthetics, exceeding its annual target as part of broader efforts to support people with physical disabilities through technology.

In 2025, Zhejiang completed the fitting and installation of 2,046 smart bionic prosthetic devices, reaching 102 percent of the planned target and achieving the goal ahead of schedule, according to provincial data.

The province launched a technology-assisted public welfare program for people with limb disabilities in 2024, helping more than 300 individuals receive smart bionic prosthetics. Building on that effort, Zhejiang expanded the initiative in 2025 by rolling out a province-wide special program to provide eligible people with disabilities free access to smart bionic prosthetic devices.

Among the beneficiaries is Wan Yiwen, a woman born in the 2000s, who received a smart bionic prosthetic in August 2025. Since then, she has taken part in activities such as hiking and rock climbing. She has also documented her daily experiences using the prosthetic through videos and posts on social media, sharing how assistive technology has changed her life.

In recent years, Zhejiang has adopted multiple measures to promote technology-based disability support. In addition to smart bionic prosthetics, high-tech products such as exoskeleton rehabilitation trainers, brain-computer interface training devices, eye-controlled systems and head-controlled devices have been included in the provincial assistive device subsidy catalog, with the maximum subsidy raised to 50,000 yuan ($6,900) per person.

The Zhejiang Disabled Person's Federation said it will further strengthen cooperation with research institutions, technology companies and social capital to develop and iterate more assistive technology products, expanding access to innovative solutions for people with disabilities.