Biomimetic neuroprostheses modulated on subject’s residual motor capabilities

This study is aimed at developing a biomimetic neuroprosthesis to support severely impaired patients during upper limb daily life activities. The system exploits any residual motor capability of the user to directly control the system itself. The target pathologies are neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis, and high level spinal cord injury. The biomimetic neuroprosthesis offers different modules and configurations adaptable to the specific needs of the user. It includes a light 3 degrees of freedom exoskeleton equipped with PC-controlled brakes, an EMGcontrolled arm neuroprosthesis, a garment with stimulation arrays embedded to induce hand movements by neuro muscular electrical stimulation. The integrated neuroprosthesis has been successfully tested on healthy subjects and on a group of pilot end-users during a representative drinking task. The developed system is now ready for home tests in which the user is assisted only by their caregiver.