A brain-computer interface that evokes tactile sensations improves robotic arm control

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 372; no. 6544; pp. 831 - 836
• Main Authors: Flesher, Sharlene N., Downey, John E., Weiss, Jeffrey M., Hughes, Christopher L., Herrera, Angelica J., Tyler-Kabara, Elizabeth C., Boninger, Michael L., Collinger, Jennifer L., Gaunt, Robert A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States The American Association for the Advancement of Science 21.05.2021
• Subjects: Adult; Arm; Arm - innervation; Arm - physiology; Artificial Limbs; Automation; Biological control; Biological effects; Brain; Brain-Computer Interfaces; Computer applications; Computer Interfaces; Computers; Cortex (motor); Feedback; Grasping; Hand Strength - physiology; Human performance; Human-computer interface; Humans; Implants; Interfaces; Male; Mimicry; Motor Cortex - physiology; Movement; Muscles; Neurological Impairments; Performance enhancement; Prostheses; Quadriplegia - therapy; Robot arms; Robot control; Robotics; Sensory feedback; Sensory neurons; Somatosensory cortex; Somatosensory Cortex - physiology; Spinal cord; Touch; Touch - physiology; Visual perception

The finely controlled movement of our limbs requires two-way neuronal communication between the brain and the body periphery. This includes afferent information from muscles, joints, and skin, as well as visual feedback to plan, initiate, and execute motor output. In tetraplegia, this neural communi...