Brain Control for Robotic Arms and Hands
Long-term reliable neuroprosthetic control of a robotic arm and hand using electrocorticography.
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11130987
This project helps people with severe paralysis use their brain signals to control a robotic arm and hand.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11130987 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many neurological conditions, such as spinal cord injury, ALS, or brain stem stroke, can cause severe paralysis, making it hard to use arms and hands for daily tasks. This project explores how brain signals, specifically from a technique called electrocorticography (ECoG), can be used to directly operate a complex robotic arm and hand. The aim is to create a system that provides stable control for at least eight weeks without needing frequent adjustments. Researchers will compare different ways to interpret brain signals and work to make the robotic control even more reliable for everyday use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing severe limb paralysis due to conditions like spinal cord injury, ALS, or brain stem stroke, who have intact brain signals.
Not a fit: Patients without severe limb paralysis or those unable to generate reliable brain signals for control may not benefit from this specific technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a new way for individuals with severe limb paralysis to regain independence in daily activities by controlling advanced robotic prosthetics with their thoughts.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data and published work suggest that ECoG signals can enable paralyzed individuals to learn complex neuroprosthetic control without extensive additional training.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GANGULY, KARUNESH — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: GANGULY, KARUNESH
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 below.
Conditions: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease