7: Robotic arm
(NO AUDIO AVAILABLE) Transport of an object from one location to another via direct neural control of a multi-articulated robot arm. MN was asked to grab a piece of candy with the robotic arm, then to place it into the hand of an operator. Matt's neuroprosthesis can be seen in the left foreground. Neural control of the robot arm was achieved by directing the neural cursor over targets on the screen. Each target directs the activity of one of three independent motors which actuate control rotation about the "shoulder" joint, flexion/extension about the "elbow" joint, and opening and closing the "hand". At the start of the film a piece of candy is placed between the grippers of the arm's hand, and Matt then closes the hand. The robot arm is then rotated about the shoulder, extended toward the destination, and the candy is finally released into the operator's hand. Trial day 209 was the first and only day that robot arm control was attempted.
2006© Nature Publishing Group
