When: Wednesday 24th of Sept, 1:00pm AEST
Where: This seminar will be partially presented at the ACFR seminar area, J04 lvl 2 (Rose St Building) and partially online via Zoom. RSVP
Speaker: Isaac Gill
Title: Neural Integrated Bionic Arm
Abstract:
Although there are over 60 million people around the world living with an amputation, there exists no prosthetic that can return full function to an upper limb amputee. Current solutions allow for basic and limited control; most having only two actions: grasp and ungrasp. Additionally, no prosthetic exists that can provide feeling back to the user. Current solutions are simply not good enough, and work must be done to improve this.
A method is already in use that shows potential for providing full motor control and sensation feedback, by interfacing directly with the peripheral nerves of the amputated limb. This new method takes small muscle grafts from the patient and attaches them to the amputated nerves. Using modern electromyography sensors, signal classification and machine learning algorithms, we have the potential of utilising this muscle-nerve interface to communicate the signals of the peripheral nervous system to and from a bionic limb. This presentation introduces a PhD project on developing a bionic arm that allows full control and sensation through these peripheral nerve interfaces.
Bio:
Isaac Gill is a first year PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Sydney. With both medical and mechanical engineering qualifications, Isaac has worked in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, bionics and soft robotics. His passion lies in utilising advanced and novel technology to improve the lives of people in need.