High-Fidelity Bidirectional Neural Drive Interfacing - Framework for investigating and restoration of human upper limb sensory/motor function

Hands are an essential part of our daily interactions and that puts them at the high risk of injuries. Over 1,6 million people live with a limb impairment and nearly half of them are dissatisfied with their prosthetic substitute. This is caused by the challenges of neural interfacing and by our limited knowledge of how body generates and perceives motions. In this project, we intend to decode the activity of the spinal cells tasked with motion generation through sensors on the stump. With access to these neuro-signals, we will calculate the intended joint motions using biomechanical models and allow users to accurately drive bionic limbs. In addition, we will restore the feeling of movement by stimulating nerves in such way so that amputee's brain responds as if the real arm is moving again. Hence, our platform will enable natural feeling and control of bionic limbs, but it will also allow investigation of the physiological mechanisms of other neural disorders like stroke or tremor.