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Intelligent neural system for bidirectional connection with exoprostheses and exoskeletons

Project description

Bidirectional implantable electrode solution for external mechatronic aid devices

Prosthetics and other assistive devices for amputations or paralysis can enhance patients’ quality of life. Recent advancements have improved user-friendliness and technology, leading to better integration, control, and patient comfort. The EU-funded NerveRepack project aims to develop a groundbreaking solution using bidirectional implantable electrodes for external mechatronic aid devices. This will enhance the connection between the human nervous system and exoskeletons or exoprostheses, offering patients with arm amputations or leg paralysis efficient and accessible solutions to regain motor and sensory functions. Additionally, the devices will incorporate AI technologies to optimise device performance and communication with users.

Objective

The main goal of the proposal is to develop a new generation of bidirectional implantable electrodes connecting the human nervous system with external mechatronic aid devices such as exoskeletons and exoprostheses, thus helping people with arm amputations or leg paralysis regain their motor and sensorial functions.
Electrodes will be the primary bidirectional interface to the nerves, followed by the implantable module, comprising an ASIC for signal processing, a microcontroller, an antenna for radio communication, a coil for wireless power charging and a supercapacitor for energy storage. To enable data communication to the mechatronic structures, as well as their power management and control (via AI modules) an embedded system will be designed, fabricated, and tested. This system will then be integrated into the mechatronic structures of exoprosthesis or exoskeletons. Due to the presence of bidirectional implantable electrodes a close loop between the user’s brain and the device’s control system will be created, with the AI module being used to learn and interpret the user’s synaptic signals.
All the components and modules will be designed, fabricated, and tested with demonstration being assured by integrating the neural implantable systems with exoprostheses and exoskeletons into three demonstrators aimed at different categories of patients: with forearm amputation, with lower limbs paralysis and with single leg paralysis. A new generation of exoprostheses and exoskeletons controlled by the patient’s brain via the nervous system will change the paradigm of support for people with disabilities and will have an important social, economic, medical, and technological impact. The technology advances including miniaturization, wireless communication and power supply, progresses in medical microsurgery tools and methods, new biocompatible materials and technologies will considerably contribute to the project implementation.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-JU-RIA - HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-KDT-JU-2022-2-RIA

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Coordinator

INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETAREDEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 442 050,00
Address
EROU IANCU NICOLAE STREET 126 A
077190 VOLUNTARI
Romania

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Region
Macroregiunea Trei Bucureşti-Ilfov Ilfov
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 263 000,00

Participants (23)

Partners (3)

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