BRAIN IMPLANT ALLOWS QUADRIPLEGIC TO HAVE A DRINK UNDER HIS OWN STEAM

Thought-Powered Robotic Arm Facilitates Fluid Movement

In recent times prosthetic limb technology has become increasingly sophisticated, this rapid change has been spurred on by increased funding and the greater availability of advanced technologies. Researchers have taken a variety of paths in the search for the most efficient type of prosthetic, many have focused on brain-controlled devices that give the user more control. Innovative devices such as the DEKA Arm System use electrodes to convert muscle contractions into movement, others like Johns Hopkins Modular Prosthetic Limb system use a body harness and virtual reality program that enables mind-controlled prosthetic arm movement.

Now, Richard Andersen and his colleagues at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena have developed a system that allows for a more fluid movement by inserting an implant in the posterior parietal cortex (an area of the brain that is involved in planning motor movements).

The Caltech team set out to decode the brain using two of these devices implanted in Erik Sorto’s posterior parietal cortex. For almost two years, the team took recordings of neuron activity in Mr. Sorto’s brain as he imagined moving his arm. By mapping the electrical activity they were able to determine which neurons were responsible for intended movement and which controlled the trajectory of the movement. They then figured out a way to interpret and use this information to move a separate robotic arm. The results of this study are truly amazing, the system allowed Mr. Sorto to lift and control a beverage in a fluid and precise manner. The look of happiness on his face as he takes a sip of beer from a bottle he is controlling with his mind says it all.

Watch Erik Sorto take his first sip of beer in the video below.