Neuroprosthetic Legs
Neuroprosthetics is the new frontier in improving the quality of life of amputees and restoring the lost ability. With a direct interaction between the biological world and the artificial one, electro-mechanical prosthesis controlled by thoughts are now very close. The next crucial step is to provide users also with the missing sensory feedback from the lower leg and foot. The aim of this project is to restore leg sensations in amputees, increasing substantially functional walking, reducing cognitive effort and boosting confidence. Therefore we are developing a neuroprosthesis, composed of a sensorized insole, system controller with ported encoding algorithms, that trigger the neurostimulator, which will inject current into nerves via implanted peripheral neural interfaces. We also develop a version of the system that uses transcutaneous nervous stimulation. Both systems will be validated with human volunteers.
Evoking functional sensations through electrical stimulation requires the correct placement of electrodes and the right stimuli settings. This is highly patient-dependent, thus associating the various electrodes locations, stimuli and perceptions is the first step to implement a sensory-feedback neuroprosthesis.
This mapping step is performed with an ad-hoc developed software, the Mapping GUI, which implements smart algorithms to increase accuracy and speed up the process of the calibration of the neuroprosthesis.
Pressure sensors inside an insole are used to drive electrical stimulation, providing a sensory feedback to the patient. To be useful this has to be done in real-time, and the system must be entirely portable. This requires a fast and robust electronic circuit, with a microcontroller and a wireless communication.