Brain–machine interfaces1,2 use neuronal activity recorded fromthe brain to establish direct communication with external actuators, such as prosthetic arms. It is hoped that brain–machine interfaces can be used to restore the normal sensorimotor functions of the limbs, but so far they have lacked tactile sensation. Here we report the operation of a brain–machine–brain interface (BMBI) that both controls the exploratory reaching movements of an actuator and allows signalling of artificial tactile feedback through intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) of the primary somatosensory cortex. Monkeys performed an active exploration task in which an actuator (a computer cursor or a virtual-reality arm) was moved using a BMBI that derived motor commands from neuronal ensemble activity recorded in the primary motor cortex. ICMS feedback occurred whenever the actuator touched virtual objects. Temporal patterns of ICMS encoded the artificial tactile properties of each object. Neuronal recordings and ICMS epochs were temporally multiplexed to avoid interference. Two monkeys operated this BMBI to search for and distinguish one of three visually identical objects, using the virtual-reality arm to identify the unique artificial texture associated with each. These results suggest that clinical motor neuroprostheses might benefit from the addition of ICMS feedback to generate artificial somatic perceptions associated with mechanical, robotic or even virtual prostheses.

Читать далее »

Категория: Научные статьи | Нет комментариев »

The convergence of haptic technology with the understanding of human perception is opening new possibilities for immersive virtual experiences. This work addresses the role of haptics in the design of systems for supporting embodiment in virtual and real environments. The paper presents haptic interfaces for embodiment by analyzing them in terms of the three main feedback types: proprioceptive, kinesthetic and tactile. Each category is discussed by first analyzing embodiment requirements and then the available haptic technology. This review is closed by some considerations in the domain of capturing and encoding for covering the whole embodiment pipeline.

Читать далее »

Категория: Научные статьи | Нет комментариев »

BACKGROUND: Recently studies showed that robot-assisted therapy can improve recovery of upper-limb in subacute and chronic stroke patients, but the studies on robot-assisted therapy in acute stroke patients are few.
OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of robot-assisted therapy on upper-limb in acute stroke patients.
METHODS: A total of 30 acute stroke patients were divided into two groups according to the wish. The patients in conventional therapy group received a conventional rehabilitative program including usual facilitation techniques, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, acupuncture therapy and so on. The patients in robot-assisted therapy group received robot-assisted therapy on the basis of conventional rehabilitative program. This kind of robot consists of adaptive upper-limb weight support, intelligence feedback and three-dimension training systems. A single or multiple joint training can be carried out in the virtual reality environment.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After treatment Fugl-Meyer Score of the upper extremity assessment (FMA) and the functional independence measure (FIM) were better than the scores before treatment both in the two groups significantly. At 3 weeks after treatment, there was no statistical difference in the FMA Scores in the two groups (P=0.075), but at 3 months the patients in robot-assisted therapy group gained better scores than conventional therapy group significantly (P < 0.01). The differences were not significant in the FIM Scores between the two groups both at 3 weeks or 3 months after treatment (P > 0.05). The changes of scores both on FMA and FIM compared with before treatment in robot-assisted therapy group were better than conventional therapy group statistically (P < 0.05). It could be concluded that robot-assisted therapy gained better motor function of upper limb in acute stroke patients on the basis of conventional therapy. Robot-assisted therapy also could change much more motor function and activities of daily living. Читать далее »

Категория: Научные статьи | Нет комментариев »

Здесь представлена попытка Александра Митскевича разобраться в вопросе истории изобретения экзоскелетов.И судя по его данным, русский изобретатель самоучка, был в этом вопросе первым.И было это в 1890г.

Читать далее »

Категория: История | 8 комментариев »

To strengthen fingers which are injured in an accident, a new type of SMA (shape memory alloy)-made dynamic splint used for finger joints is proposed.

Читать далее »

Категория: Научные статьи | Нет комментариев »