A brain-reading device empowered by AI has successfully restored a paraplegic man's ability to walk. Using adaptive AI algorithms, the "digital bridge" device decodes a patient's real-time movement intentions from brain recordings. The device could help restore mobility in stroke patients and those with spinal cord injuries. Swiss and French neuroscientists developed the brain-machine interface, which uses wireless signals to reconnect the brain with muscles that were paralyzed due to spinal cord damage. - Electrodes are implanted in the patient's brain to detect neural activity when they attempt leg movements.
- An AI algorithm then translates the brain signals and sends pulses to electrodes in the spine, stimulating muscles and nerves to produce movement.
- Thanks to the device, Gert-Jan Oskam, who was paralyzed in a 2011 cycling accident, can now stand, walk short distances, and climb stairs.
- Despite not achieving smooth strides, Oskam can control standing and walking through his thoughts.
- The findings from researchers at France's EPFL center and Swiss hospitals were published in Nature on Wednesday.
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