Mind-controlled robotic arm lets people with paralysis touch and feel – New Scientist
AdvertisementBy using MRI brain scans to identify regions linked to hand movements and sensations, researchers were able to restore a sense of touch to two people with paralysis – and one was able to control and feel a robot arm using his thoughtsBy Carissa Wong
16 January 2025
“Oh my god, this arm is part of me,” says Scott Imbrie, who was able to use it to feel objectsCharles M. Greenspon, University of Chicago“Oh my god, this arm is part of me,” says Scott Imbrie, who was able to use it to feel objectsCharles M. Greenspon, University of ChicagoTwo people with paralysis in their hands were able to temporarily regain their sense of touch and feel the shape of objects, thanks to electrical brain stimulation. The approach could one day help people with spinal cord injuries to better carry out everyday activities by controlling a robotic arm that feels like their own.There have been previous efforts to restore touch through brain stimulation, but they were fairly crude. “These were…AdvertisementReceive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox!
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