A device that helps people with dropped head syndrome control their neck movements using their gaze.
Official title: A gaze-controlled neck exoskeleton for dropped head syndrome
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10997421 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special wearable device that helps people with dropped head syndrome move their heads more easily using their eye movements, making everyday tasks like breathing, swallowing, and speaking a lot easier and more comfortable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $183,644 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB035378-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997421 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who suffer from dropped head syndrome, particularly those with underlying conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have dropped head syndrome or those with conditions that do not affect neck movement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a wearable robotic neck exoskeleton designed for individuals with dropped head syndrome, a condition often caused by diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The device aims to restore head and neck motion by using eye movements to control the exoskeleton, making it a personalized and user-friendly solution. The project will explore how eye gaze can predict head movements and will involve creating models that adapt to individual preferences through simple interactions with the device. This innovative approach seeks to improve daily activities such as breathing, swallowing, and speaking for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients with dropped head syndrome by providing a more effective and comfortable solution for managing their condition.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of gaze-controlled devices is emerging, this specific approach to treating dropped head syndrome with a personalized neck exoskeleton is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
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University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Haohan — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Haohan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.