New Technology Allows Amputees to Control a Robotic Arm with their Mind
hubie writes:
Research team makes mind-reading possible with electronics and AI:
Many current commercial prosthetic limbs use a cable and harness system that is controlled by the shoulders or chest, and more advanced limbs use sensors to pick up on subtle muscle movements in a patient's existing limb above the device. But, both options can be cumbersome, unintuitive, and take months of practice for amputees to learn how to move them.
Researchers in the University's Department of Biomedical Engineering, with the help of industry collaborators, have created a small, implantable device that attaches to the peripheral nerve in a person's arm. When combined with an artificial intelligence computer and a robotic arm, the device can read and interpret brain signals, allowing upper limb amputees to control the arm using only their thoughts.
[...] A big part of what makes the system work so well compared to similar technologies is the incorporation of artificial intelligence, which uses machine learning to help interpret the signals from the nerve.
[...] Right now, the system requires wires that come through the skin to connect to the exterior AI interface and robotic arm. But, if the chip could connect remotely to any computer, it would give humans the ability to control their personal devices-a car or phone, for example-with their minds.
Journal Reference:
Anh Tuan Nguyen et al., A portable, self-contained neuroprosthetic hand with deep learning-based finger control, J Neural Eng., 18, 5, 2021
DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac2a8d
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