Helping Paralyzed People Use Thought to Control Computers and Robotic Limbs

Neuroscientist Richard Andersen (Photo -caltech.edu)

A number of medical conditions can cause paralysis including spinal cord injury, stroke, neurological diseases, and traumatic brain injury.

By News Desk

What if there was a way to help patients regain sensation and control over assistive devices using their thoughts?

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) consist of tiny electrodes that record the activity of large numbers of cortical neurons along with artificial intelligence algorithms that can interpret a user’s intent based on neural activity.

In this talk, neuroscientist Richard Andersen, will discuss how researchers in his lab, working with collaborating colleagues, have used a novel approach of implanting electrodes in a variety of specialized cortical areas rather than just the motor cortex. Using this approach, paralyzed patients can control robotics and computers, allowing them to drink a beverage, play a computer piano, use video games and programs like Photoshop, drive an automobile, and feel touch in hands and arms that have previously been rendered insensate from spinal cord injury.

Moreover, researchers have been able to decode speech—including patients’ silent internal speech—and patients’ observations of others.

Watson Lecture at Caltech
Activities and music. Food, drinks, and books available for purchase
6:00 pm
Doors open
7:00 pm
Talk and Q&A
7:30 pm
Post-talk concessions and conversation
8:30 pm
Location
Caltech - Beckman Auditorium
11/08/2023
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Register at this link.