The Aether Battery System from Aether Biomedical sits inside the prosthetic socket. Its battery pack is fixed to the socket's inner surface, and its charging port is mounted into the socket. That means many of the decisions that affect it are made during socket fabrication, before the patient takes the prosthesis home.
This guide follows the fitting in four stages: compatibility checks, socket fabrication, wiring, and patient handover. Installation is for qualified personnel, and the clinician provides the socket.
The system was designed to power Zeus hands, Aether Biomedical’s robotic hand range. This guide covers the mistakes to avoid at each stage, based on the Aether Battery System Instructions for Use (IFU), version 8, and Aether's charging guidance.
Assuming the Aether Battery System will work with any powered hand is the first mistake to avoid.
According to the IFU, the Aether Battery System (AET-BAT-BS1) provides electrical power to the prosthesis and its components, for use with an upper-limb prosthesis. It is intended for use exclusively with the Zeus hand.
Use with non-Zeus multi-articulating hands is not supported and has not been validated by the manufacturer. The IFU also lists a contraindication: the system cannot be used with devices other than those approved by Aether Biomedical.
Before planning the socket, check the full configuration against the Compatibility Guide (U03DC-0200) referenced in the IFU.
Both are placed during socket fabrication, as the IFU sets out:
Aether Biomedical supplies fabrication aids to help with this stage:
The battery pack must not touch the patient's skin or be mechanically stressed, and the socket layout should account for both.
The IFU also warns specifically against bending: AET-BAT batteries should not be bent, because excessive bending can damage them.
A related mistake is attempting a repair in the clinic. The IFU says not to try to repair cables, battery cells, connectors, or any other component of the Aether Battery System.
If a malfunction occurs during use, or the battery's life expires, replace it with a new AET-BAT. Only qualified personnel can perform the replacement. For any other malfunction, contact the manufacturer or distributor.
Never force a connector. The IFU states that the connectors only attach one way. If a connector will not seat, stop and check its orientation.
Before closing the socket, confirm two things:
The AET-CON connector board connects the charging port and the battery pack through its 7-pin and 4-pin connectors, so check both. The IFU recommends applying an electrically insulating compound to those connector headers before connecting them.
The board's 2-pin kidney-style output connects to the power supply input on the coaxial plug, and it must be properly aligned. With a 6-band coaxial plug, double-check that it goes to the power supply input, not the accessory port.
Patients should use the supplied charger, charge with the prosthesis removed, and stop if the battery shows warning signs. Cover each point at handover:
Before handover, use the charging port's button and four LEDs to confirm the system's status:
|
LED behavior |
What it means |
|
LEDs light after pressing the button |
They show the current charge level of the battery pack |
|
LEDs glow constantly for 3 seconds |
The system is turned on |
|
LEDs blink 3 times |
The system is turned off |
|
Last LED blinks quickly 6 times after a button press with the system off, or blinks constantly with the system on |
The charge level is critically low |
|
Blue LEDs light |
Charging is in progress |
|
All LEDs blink twice, then turn off |
Charging is finished |
Then plan follow-up. The IFU calls for a visual inspection of each battery and all the wiring every few months. Service life is up to 2 years or 500 charge/discharge cycles, and unused batteries should be recharged every 6 months.
No. The IFU limits it to the Zeus hand. Non-Zeus multi-articulating hands are not supported or validated.
Into the prosthetic socket, where it is secured with a biocompatible adhesive.
No. The IFU rules out direct contact between the battery pack and the user's skin.
Yes. Each connector attaches in one orientation only, so it should never be forced.
No. The prosthesis and socket should be off the patient during charging, and the system does not power the prosthesis while it charges.
The manufacturer's own adapter (AET-PWR-USB-xx) with its AET-USBC cable.
Only in exceptional situations, and the power bank must not be connected to an electrical outlet while it is charging the system.
Stop if the battery gets unusually hot, gives off gases, changes color, or looks abnormal while charging or discharging.
No. The IFU rules out repairs to cables, battery cells, connectors, or any other component. Contact the manufacturer or distributor instead.
Every few months, as a visual check of each battery and all the wiring.
The Aether Battery System is intended for use exclusively with the Zeus hand. Mount the charging port into the socket, fix the battery pack to the inner surface, and keep the pack clear of skin and bending. Never force a connector or attempt a repair. Before handover, check the LEDs and teach the patient the charging rules and warning signs.
To see how the Aether Battery System fits into a Zeus hand prosthesis, contact Aether Biomedical to arrange a demo.