Brain-Powered Robot Helps Paralyzed Woman Take Control

Jan Scheuermann is paralyzed from the neck down, but with the help of a robotic arm controlled by her brain, she's now able to pour herself a glass of water to drink.

Lancet Medical Journal ran a study using brain implants to control the robotic arm. Two sensors were placed in the motor cortex of her brain. Pulses of electricity inside her brain are translated into commands for the robot arm, which includes a bending elbow and wrist. In about two weeks, Scheuermann perfected the use of her new robot limb.

Scheuermann has progressively lost control over her body since she was diagnosed with spinocerebellar degeneration 13 years ago.

Image courtesy of Flickr, Arenamontanus

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