PITTSBURGH (PTTP)- Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are leading the way in advancing technology, allowing amputees, people with spinal injuries, and others who rely on prosthetics to live to finally “feel” things in their robotic limbs. Scientists, including Dr. Robert Gaunt and Dr. Jennifer Collinger, are working hard to eventually bring this incredible technology into the mainstream treatment options for those who need it.
The BCI uses intracortical microelectrodes arrays implanted into specific areas of the brain which, using tiny electric shocks and highly advanced sensors, allow the patient’s brain to both interpret and send signals to and from the prosthetic. This allows for patients to have dramatically improved coordination and fine motor skills. In recent years, one of the most famous patients, Nathan Copeland, was able to identify which prosthetic finger was being touched with near-perfect accuracy even when blindfolded. This breakthrough led to him meeting then President Barack Obama and even giving a fist bump to the former president.
While this technology is still early in its evolution, private companies are getting involved in possible applications of this research. With the increased interest from the private sector comes increases in funding around the country to continue studying this technology. While many of the patients currently involved in the testing may not see the results of their hundreds of hours spent in research labs around Pittsburgh and the country, Dr. Gaunt spoke highly of the “altruism” of these brave pioneers, all in the hopes that in the future, these injuries may not be as difficult to manage.