Mind-Controlled Robot Arm Helps Woman Move Objects

Fifty-three-year-old Jan Schuermann was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition that paralyzed her from the neck down in 2003. Yet since 2012, thanks to science, she's been able to move certain objects with the help of a robotically controlled arm that is assisted by none other than her mind. The findings of this miraculous breakthrough are published in the Journal of Neural Engineering.

"This is been a fantastic, thrilling, wild ride, and I am so glad I've done this," she said in a statement. "This study has enriched my life, given me new friends and coworkers, helped me contribute to research and taken my breath away. For the rest of my life, I will thank God every day for getting to be part of this team."

The arm can be moved in up to 10 different directions when compared to the original that just moved about seven. Added directions allow her to move the robot fingers and thumb in new ways so that she can easily grasp objects more precisely.

Though the project is still a work in progress and not ready to use for most, the team's progress helps them learn the basic ways to get it ready for patients, including what neurons control various movements and how to best train people to control robots with their brains.

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