Tag: brain

UCI brain-computer interface enables paralyzed man to walk

http://news.uci.edu/health/uci-brain-computer-interface-enables-paralyzed-man-to-walk/

Proof-of-concept study shows possibilities for mind-controlled technology.

[…]

In the preliminary proof-of-concept study, led by UCI biomedical engineer Zoran Nenadic and neurologist An Do, a person with complete paralysis in both legs due to spinal cord injury was able – for the first time – to take steps without relying on manually controlled robotic limbs.

So this is using brainwave-detecting technology to reconnect a person’s brain with part of their body. A very practical example of how science can (re)enable people, in this case give them back their freedom of mobility. That’s fantastic.

Complementary, Honda’s ASIMO robot research can enable people to walk with artificial legs.

Don’t think this is just something that happens in labs! The basic tech is accessible. I have a single sensor EEG headset here, and some years ago I did a demo at a conference entitled “look ma, no hands” where I controlled the slide advance of the presentation on my laptop by doing a “long blink”.