Eye-controlled neck support for dropped head syndrome
A gaze-controlled neck exoskeleton for dropped head syndrome
This project will use your eye movements to control a wearable robotic neck device to help adults with dropped head syndrome hold and move their head more comfortably.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251785 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I would try a wearable neck robot that moves my head based on where I look. The team will record eye and head movements during different gaze behaviors, like smooth tracking and quick glances, and build models that predict head motion from those eye signals. They will use short, easy training steps so the device learns my personal preferences and adjusts its control. The goal is a personalized, at-home device that makes breathing, swallowing, speaking, and daily tasks easier.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with dropped head syndrome, for example from ALS or autoimmune causes, who can control their eye movements and are willing to try a wearable neck device.
Not a fit: People with severe loss of eye movement control, unstable cervical spine, or who cannot tolerate a wearable device may not receive benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help people with dropped head syndrome keep their heads upright more comfortably and improve breathing, swallowing, speaking, and everyday function.
How similar studies have performed: Using eye gaze to predict and control a neck exoskeleton is a novel approach with limited prior clinical testing, although other wearable neck supports have shown mixed results for comfort and function.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Haohan — Utah State Higher Education System--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 below.