Use the brain to manipulate the prosthesis

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have succeeded in teaching monkeys to use robotic arm by thought, opening up new hope for people with disabilities or paralyzed patients. after the stroke.

(Photo: Andrew Schwartz / University of Pittsburgh)

According to the Associated Press, monkeys with strokes that have been fitted with tiny electrodes in the cortex may use the will to manipulate the prosthesis (taking a hook shape) to take food particles and put them in the mouth.

AFP quotes Professor John Kalaska of the University of Montreal (Canada) as saying that the work is the first application of the "brain-machine interface" in 3D, in this case using the robot hand to take the food.

The University of Pittsburgh team is continuing to improve the robotic arm, adding articulation to the wrists and hands to help people flex more flexibly.

Video scenes monkeys use robotic arm to grab food

Monkey Brainpower from Science News on Vimeo.