Researchers successfully equipped a tetraplegic participant with a brain-computer interface that enabled control of a virtual quadcopter. The interface interprets thought-driven signals related to finger movement, thus allowing for manipulation of the quadcopter in a simulated environment. This innovative advancement, surpassing previous technologies, showcases the potential for individuals with paralysis to engage in activities like gaming and remote work. A surgical procedure places electrodes in the motor cortex, significantly enhancing the performance by sixfold compared to noninvasive methods like EEG.
"This is a greater degree of functionality than anything previously based on finger movements," said Matthew Willsey, U-M assistant professor of neurosurgery and biomedical engineering.
"It takes the signals created in the motor cortex that occur simply when the participant thinks about moving his fingers, and converts those thoughts into actual movements of the quadcopter."
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