The BATTELLE NeuroLife high resolution, non-invasive neuromuscular electrical stimulation system provides electrical stimulation to the muscles in exactly the right patterns to move the limb. In the current configuration, the system, which won an R&D 100 award in 2016, provides fine motor movements for the hand and wrist. The system translates the user’s intentions to move his or her wrist and fingers into evoked movements that smoothly combine stimulated wrist and finger movements with voluntary shoulder and elbow movements. Brain signals are recorded using a commercially-available electrode array, implanted in the motor cortex of the paralyzed person’s brain. The system continuously decodes the signals using machine-learning-based algorithms to infer movement intent. A custom neuromuscular electrical stimulator is then used to re-encode the decoded signals in real time, sending them as electrical pulses to the muscles in the forearm via a cuff.
Each year for more than 50 years, R&D Magazine has honored the 100 best innovations in research and development. We are currently accepting applications for the 2017 R&D 100 Awards. Innovators with an exceptional product developed between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017 should apply. Submissions close April 14, 2017
For information on the 55th Annual R&D 100 Awards and to enter visit http://www.rd100conference.com
