Health Law

Wheelchair of the Future

At the Brain Science Institute Toyota Collaboration Center (BTCC) in Japan, researchers have developed a cutting-edge technology that uses brain waves to control wheelchair motion. The technology relies on what's called a brain machine interface (BMI), and this allows individuals with certain disabilities (including some types of cerebral palsy) to interact with their world by way of brain signals.

To control the wheelchair, users must wear a specialized EEG cap which transmits brain waves to the wheelchair for analysis. The wheelchair processes the signals every 125 milliseconds and the analysis is displayed on a screen so the user can make the necessary adjustments for effective operation.
 

The technology and its applications are still being researched, but a video of the high-tech wheelchair in action can be seen here on YouTube.

 

Full post as published by Cerebral Palsy Law Blog on July 09, 2009 (boomark / email).