Robotic limbs controlled by brain
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An injury to the spine is one of the most devastating that someone can experience and survive. Though a person who lives through a spinal injury is alive, the quality of his or her life can be greatly impacted. This is because it can lead to varying amounts of paralysis which can make it impossible for that person to do even the simplest of tasks.
Advancements being made in the use of robotic limbs could one day change that. Researchers are making headway in the development of robotic arms and legs that are actually controlled by a person’s mind. One of the more recent trials involving this technology involved implanting two tiny chips in the posterior parietal cortex portion of the brain. This is a change from previous trials in which the chips were implanted instead in the motor cortex.
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The different locales of the chips are worth noting. The motor cortex has to do with the direct execution of movement. The posterior parietal cortex on the other hand is instead the portion of a person’s brain that is involved in controlling the intention to move.
An assistant professor based in Ontario believes that the spread of this technology actually depends upon technology. For the success to be widespread, it must be wireless. Currently, the robotic limbs can only be used in a lab setting.
Adjusting to life without being able to use one’s arms or legs would be difficult. It could also come with a variety of related expenses. To help cover some of those expenses, those who incurred in the injury as a result of an incident caused by the negligence of another person, could find it beneficial to file a personal injury lawsuit.
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