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 ArticleParalysed 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.
University Researchers Develop Bionic Arm to Enable Greater Physical Control
Physical, NewsResearchers have engineered a bionic arm for upper-limb amputations that allows wearers to think, behave and function like a person without an amputation, according to new findings. The bionic system combines three important functions - intuitive motor control, touch and grip kinesthesia, the intuitive feeling of opening and closing the hand. The Cleveland Clinic-led international research team developed the bionic system. Collaborators included University of Alberta and University of New Brunswick. Read more via Science Daily.
Caring Full Time for a Partner with Paralysis: User Stories from The Washington Post
Physical, NewsAs part of NeuroAbilities' efforts to explore user perspectives, this article from The Washington Post outlines the challenges and nuances many families face in navigating care for a person who is paralyzed. Read more via The Washington Post.
Blackrock & B-CRATOS Project Developing Battery-free, Wireless Implants
Physical, NewsBlackrock Microsystems Europe is partnering with Uppsala University, The SiNANO Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, LINKS, Deutsches Primatenzentrum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and the Department of Electronic Systems in creation of the project known as B-CRATOS – “Wireless Brain-Connect inteRfAce TO machineS”. The B-CRATOS project is coordinated by Uppsala University's Prof. Robin Augustine and seeks to restore functionality through advanced, next-generation neuroprostheses. The system will enable those with paralysis to control an advanced robotic limb, enabling millions to regain daily independence. Learn more about the project here.
Dry Electrode EEG from the Real to the Virtual World
Physical, VideoIn this webinar from Wearable Sensing, Walid Soussou introduces audiences to dry electrode EEG wearables, how they work, and applications for the real world and virtual reality. An overview of the headset design and its signal quality is demonstrated through both resting and ambulatory activities. For more on how the dry electrode headsets work and integrate with BCI tools, watch the webinar on-demand on YouTube.