Indian Scientist Helps Build Brain-Controlled Robotic Arm

Indian Scientist Helps Build Brain-Controlled Robotic Arm

Why in News ?

Indian-origin neuroscientist Nikhilesh Natraj co-led a team at UCSF that developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) enabling a paralysed man to control a robotic arm using only thoughts, marking a breakthrough in assistive neurotechnology and AI integration.

Breakthrough in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI):

• The BCI system allows a paralysed stroke patient to control a robotic arm using mental imagery.
• Developed at the Weill Institute for Neurosciences, UCSF, led by Nikhilesh Natraj, originally from Chennai.
• The patient used the robotic arm for 7 months with minimal recalibration.
• The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell.
• The BCI uses implanted sensors to read signals from the brain’s movement regions without sending any electrical pulses back.

How the System Works

• The participant imagined moving fingers or hands, and brain activity was recorded through implanted sensors.
• A machine learning algorithm detected daily shifts in neural patterns, enhancing stability.
• The data was analysed in a high-dimensional space, tracking pattern shifts across sessions.
• These signals were decoded to operate a virtual robot arm and later a real robotic arm.
• Tasks included opening a cabinet, retrieving a cup, and using a water dispenser — simple yet life-enhancing actions.

Future Potential and Challenges

• The system shows promise for real-world use by paralysis patients.
• Natraj emphasized the need for further work to make it adaptable to complex environments like crowded public spaces.
• The goal is to refine the tech for wider deployment, enabling independence and dignity for those living with severe mobility impairments.
• The research combines neuroscience, AI, and assistive robotics, reflecting India’s growing contribution to global innovation.