By Michael Lee Simpson
This holiday season is shaping up to be extra special for one Tennessee Santa Claus.
Mike Tindall, 67, a retired U.S. Navy veteran has become the first professional Santa in the world to be fitted with a bionic arm.
A 1994 workshop accident resulted in the amputation of his left forearm, but Mike from Memphis didn’t let the setback slow him down.
With unwavering support from his wife, Cindy, 67 — who plays the role of Mrs. Claus — he followed his passion and built a new life bringing joy to people.
But the holiday season presented unique challenges for Mike, from handing out presents to accepting letters from children, he said.
That’s where the Hero Arm came in.
Made by Open Bionics, a British firm, the Hero Arm is an advanced, 3D-printed multi-grip bionic arm designed for amputees as young as five years old.
Equipped with sensors that read muscle movements and convert them into bionic finger movements, the lightweight arm is easy to control and fully customizable — including a festive red design.
Mike was fitted with his new Hero Arm at the Open Bionics clinic in Austin, Texas, where he tested its ability by holding a cup of hot chocolate, dunking a cookie, and checking his naughty-and-nice list.
“I’ve been looking for something that is easy to use and can help me when I’m handing out presents, accepting letters, and meeting families,” Mike explained.
“When I first saw the red design, I knew it was perfect — it matches my Santa suit! I really appreciate the simplicity of controlling the arm.
“It’s lightweight and so much more comfortable than what I’ve used before. I love how easy it is to switch between grips without any hassle.
“When the kids saw the light flashing on my bionic arm I told them it’s a Santa tracker for Mrs. Claus so she can see where I am,” Mike said.
“They thought it was so cool.”
Even after his accident in 1994 — when a malfunctioning automatic wood saw led to his amputation on Veteran’s Day — he continued working as an airplane mechanic.
Over the years, he searched for a device that would give him the functionality he needed during his Santa duties.
Samantha Payne, co-founder of Open Bionics, couldn’t be happier to help Mike spread holiday cheer.
“Getting to help Santa with his mission to deliver joy and merriment for children at the holidays has been so much fun,” she said.
“We’re so glad the Hero Arm has been able to help Santa with all his two-handed tasks and holiday preparations. Hopefully, we’re on the good list this year.”
