Controlling a robotic arm and hand using brain signals for patients with paralysis.
Official title: Long-term reliable neuroprosthetic control of a robotic arm and hand using electrocorticography.
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10804205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how people with severe limb paralysis can use their brain signals to control a robotic arm and hand, helping them regain some independence in their daily lives without needing to constantly adjust the device.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $655,924 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD111562-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10804205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from severe limb paralysis due to conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, or brain strokes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild motor impairments or those who do not have severe paralysis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how patients with severe limb paralysis, such as those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, can use their brain signals to control a robotic arm and hand. By utilizing electrocorticography (ECoG), the study aims to establish a reliable method for these patients to perform daily tasks without needing constant recalibration of the device. The approach focuses on enabling long-term control of the robotic device, allowing patients to regain some independence in their daily activities. The research will compare different methods of decoding brain signals to find the most effective way to achieve stable control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with severe paralysis by restoring their ability to perform everyday tasks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain signals for neuroprosthetic control, indicating that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ganguly, Karunesh — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ganguly, Karunesh
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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.