Elon Musk's Neuralink wins FDA approval for human study of brain implants
Physical, , Cognitive, NewsElon Musk's Neuralink received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its first-in-human clinical trial which has been developing a device surgically inserted into the brain by a robot and capable of decoding brain activity and linking it to computers. Up until now, the company has conducted research only in animals. Read more on why this is a critical milestone for the brain-implant startup.
Pediatric Exoskeleton Developed for Children with Cerebral Palsy to Learn to Walk and Play
Physical, NewsThe ATLAS 2030 developed by Marsi-Bionics is a battery-powered gait exoskeleton, which supports from the trunk to the feet and allows children with spinal cord injuries to sit up and walk. The Atlas 2030 exoskeleton earned its creator, Spanish roboticist Elena García Armada, the 2022 European Inventor Award. According to the European Patent Office, it's the "world's first adaptable robotic exoskeleton for children." Read more about ATLAS 2030.
Stanford University Researchers Create Robotic Exoskeleton Boots
Physical, NewsEngineers at Stanford University have created a boot-like robotic exoskeleton that gives users personalized walking assistance, allowing people to walk 9% faster and use 17% less energy per distance traveled. Read more about Robotic Exoskeleton Boots.
FDA Clears EksoNR Robotic Exoskeleton for Multiple Sclerosis
Physical, NewsThe FDA has cleared Ekso Bionics' EksoNR for use with MS patients, making it the first robotic exoskeleton cleared for use with MS patients. EksoNR is the Richmond, CA-based company's latest generation device. It was previously cleared by FDA for stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation in 2016, and for acquired brain injury in 2020. Read more about EksoNR.
Design-development of an At-home Modular Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Platform in a Case Study of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Physical, Scholarly ArticleAmputee, clinician, and regulator perspectives on current and prospective upper extremity prosthetic technologies
Physical, Scholarly ArticleExisting prosthetic technologies for people with upper limb amputation are being adopted at moderate rates. Once fitted for these devices, many upper limb amputees report not using them regularly or at all. The results of this study provide insight into amputee, clinician, and regulator priorities to inform future upper-limb prosthetic design and clinical trial protocol development. Read more about perspectives on prospective upper extremity prosthetic technologies.
Paralysed Man Walks Thanks to Implant
Physical, NewsA spinal implant has allowed a paralyzed man to walk freely again. The research has been published in the journal Nature Medicine from a team of researchers in Lausanne. It is the first time someone who has had a complete cut to their spinal cord has been able to walk freely. Read the full article from the BBC.
NeuroAbilities Webinar #6 | BCI At Play: How BCIs can Enrich Lives of Children with Severe Physical Disability
Physical, VideoBrain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) offer a promising potential for thousands of individuals living with severe physical disability to interact with the world using their brain. However, for many children with severe physical disability, there are still too few opportunities to use, interact, and practice with BCI, effectively limiting their fundamental right to participate in their world. This webinar looks at the significant unmet need in translating BCI research and developments to children who could greatly benefit from such technology. The conversation will include insights and discussion on how to approach designing BCIs and neurotechnology for children and why it is critical to include children in advancements of neurotechnology. Watch the webinar.
Blackrock Neurotech's MoveAgain System Gains FDA Breakthrough Designation
Physical, NewsBlackrock Neurotech announced FDA breakthrough device designation for its MoveAgain brain-computer interface system. The MoveAgain system is portable and would allow persons with physical disabilities to gain mobility and independence. Read more via MassDevice.com.
M-Enabling Walk2Walk Challenge
Physical, NewsJoin the Global Walk2Walk Challenge! Launched at the 2021 M-Enabling Summit, the Walk2Walk Challenge is an international set of events building a community of individuals helping those with paralysis walk using innovative walking technologies. Sandy Hanebrink, an exoskeleton user and NeuroAbilities Advisory Council member, demonstrated how access to cutting-edge exoskeleton technology creates impact in the daily lives of persons with disabilities as she stood up from her wheelchair in front of audiences at the in-person M-Enabling Summit. Individuals can register as an individual or as a team to log steps and miles. Registration deadline: 31 Dec 2021. Learn more about the Walk2Walk campaign.