How Robotics Can Help People with Physical Disabilities

Although ongoing genetics research hopes to help prevent birth defects, the field of robotics has much to offer to those who have physical disabilities. The extent of help varies by when the disability occurred. For those disabled after birth, especially with a sensory organ, it may be easier to put the robot aide to work because the brain already understands the ability. For those with birth defects, sensory organ use may be difficult to learn because they have no previous experience. The success is better with injuries or damage to the arms, legs, and spine because prosthetics and other aides to movements provide assistance to a connection to the nerve rather than directly in the brain. Overall, the robotics industry is growing in the medical arena and other applications are likely to be found viable.

Microprocessors that Connect to Sensory Organs And Other Nerve Cells

A number of researchers worldwide want to connect a neuron cells electrical signal to to a microprocessor that powers the robot aid. When applied to the five sensory organs, many of these microprocessors are connected directly into the brain or by way of the optic nerve[2].

One example microprocessor connection uses a connection between your tongue and a microprocessor sensory array to help a person see indirectly by conveying information the patient learns to understand[1]. Another microprocessor connects to cells in the optic nerve and helps the person see[3]. One microprocessor connects tongue muscles to magnets that help drive a wheelchair[4].

One problem with early systems is that they don't pick up the entire range of signal coming from the brain via the optic nerve. Another problem is mechanical systems tend to interfere with the brain's ability to process [5]. Researchers would like to connect a microprocessor to a neural cell so that they can place the device away from the brain to help resolve these problems.

Whatever results is likely to be an improvement to the lives of the blind, deaf and wheelchair bound.

Robotic Assistance attachments that Help Disabled Elderly Walk