Papers Published

1. Chapin, JK; Moxon, KA; Markowitz, RS; Nicolelis, MA, Real-time control of a robot arm using simultaneously recorded neurons in the motor cortex., Nature Neuroscience, vol. 2 no. 7 (July, 1999), pp. 664-670 [10404201], [doi] .
   (last updated on 2023/06/01)

   Abstract:
   To determine whether simultaneously recorded motor cortex neurons can be used for real-time device control, rats were trained to position a robot arm to obtain water by pressing a lever. Mathematical transformations, including neural networks, converted multineuron signals into 'neuronal population functions' that accurately predicted lever trajectory. Next, these functions were electronically converted into real-time signals for robot arm control. After switching to this 'neurorobotic' mode, 4 of 6 animals (those with > 25 task-related neurons) routinely used these brain-derived signals to position the robot arm and obtain water. With continued training in neurorobotic mode, the animals' lever movement diminished or stopped. These results suggest a possible means for movement restoration in paralysis patients.

   Keywords:
   Animals • Arm* • Cerebral Cortex • Computer Systems • Forelimb • Motor Activity* • Motor Cortex • Movement • Multivariate Analysis • Nerve Net • Neurons • Rats • Rats, Long-Evans • Robotics* • Thalamus • innervation • physiology • physiology*