Robotic Exoskeleton
A quadriplegic man was able to walk again thanks to a robotic exoskeleton designed by an engineering team. Paralysis is a devastating complication that can follow a serious accident that leads to traumatic injury. The body is controlled by nerves that start in the brain, run through the spinal cord, and travel to the rest of the body. Because the neurons often do not regenerate following a serious injury, paralysis is typically a permanent complication. As a result, it can be a challenge for someone to adjust to a new functional baseline. Now, the feat accomplished by this team of engineers provides hope to millions of people who previously had none.
A Four-Limb Robotic System
The story describes a man who had been unable to walk for years after being paralyzed in both arms and both legs. A team of scientists from France had been working on a robotic exoskeleton that would be able to help this man walk again. Because the man had an injury that disrupted this flow of information, the scientists needed to design a way to get around this blockage. The team designed a series of sensors that they implanted near the brain of the individual. These sensors were used to transmit commands to the robotic exoskeleton. Finally, the exoskeleton was responsible for moving the individual’s arms and legs. In essence, the sensors and skeleton were used to bypass the blockage that is present in the individual’s spine.
Not an Easy Process
The individual discussed a challenging ordeal to learn how to use the exoskeleton. He stated that the trial lasted two years. The team of scientists needed to develop an algorithm that was able to translate the signals from the brain into a language the exoskeleton was able to understand. In essence, the gentleman had to learn how to use his brain once again. Even though he had been paralyzed, his brain was still functioning fine. Unfortunately, his brain had not been taught how to communicate with a robotic exoskeleton.
The man stated that he spent two years performing a variety of mental tasks. These were important because they trained the algorithm on how to understand the signals from his brain. He needed to train the exoskeleton to read his brainwaves and interpret these into commands and movements. Gradually, he was able to perform more and more tasks with the help of the robotic exoskeleton. Ultimately, he was able to walk again and overcome his paralysis.
Hope for Paralyzed Individuals Everywhere
Many people who suffer a spinal cord injury and lose the ability to walk become dependent on other people for their care. Now, this development offers hope to everyone who suffers a serious injury to the spine. The researchers are working to improve their robotic exoskeleton design. In the future, the training process might become quicker and the design might be made more widely available. Then, this technology can provide help to millions of people who suffer serious injuries.
Watch YouTube Video: Watch this robotic exoskeleton help a paralyzed man walk. This video shows how a paralyzed man was able to walk again with the help of a robotic exoskeleton.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. This new technology offers hope to countless people who become paralyzed every year. If someone you love has been diagnosed with a serious injury due to the negligence of another person or entity, please contact me today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for friendly, free legal advice.
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Photo by Pixabay
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