Unmet Need
There are approximately 185,000 individuals per year that suffer from limb loss in the United States (see Ziegler-Graham K. et al. 2008). Once an individual loses his/her limb, the only way to closely replicate its functionality is through the use of a prosthetic. Unfortunately, prosthetics struggle to have a strong interaction with the human nervous system; subsequently, there has been a growing rate of technological advancements to improve human-neuroprosthetic interfacing. Despite the current advancements that have benefitted human-prosthetic interfacing, a need remains for a neural interface that bridges the gap between the apparatus/machine and the human nervous system to improve prosthetics.
Technology Overview
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed an implantable device capable of recording and stimulating neural activity intended to help improve the human interface with prosthetics and machines such as motorized wheelchairs. The device is scalable, robust, and improves the translation between technology and the human nervous system. The device harnesses muscle electromyography (EMG) signals and utilizes them to enable the patient to control their extremity. The neural device has the potential to bridge the gap between the human nervous system and the prosthetic/machine.
Stage of Development
A prototype has been developed.
