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Paralyzed people will be able to resume a full life again
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
In the near future, paralysis will not be considered an incurable disease, and paralyzed people will be able to become full members of society again. Scientists do not stop researching in this area, specialists have already developed and continue to improve exoskeletons (so-called "external skeletons"), which were initially developed for the military to increase strength, but over time found their application in medicine, helping people with various musculoskeletal disorders (injuries, old age) to start moving again.
Recently, at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, a landmark event took place not only for medicine, but also for robotics. The first symbolic kick of the ball was made by a paraplegic. 29-year-old Juliano Pinto, wearing an exoskeleton, was able to do something that was recently considered almost impossible with the power of his own thoughts. The development of this robotic suit took several years and more than 150 researchers from all over the world worked on it.
A few days after this significant event for science, information was received that a man with paralyzed arms was again able to move his limbs. Jan Burkhar, who had suffered paralysis of the upper limbs several years ago after a cervical vertebrae injury, who took part in the experiment, tested the virtual spinal cord. According to experts, Jan was an ideal candidate for this bold scientific project, given his young age (23 years) and the specifics of his injury.
In early April 2014, doctors made a small hole in Ian's skull and implanted a specially designed chip into his brain. The procedure, called "Neurobridge Technology," allowed Ian to send impulses to electrodes that caused the weakened muscles in his arms to contract.
There are a total of 96 electrodes, which allow the signals sent by the chip to be read more accurately. In addition, the electrodes help control many muscles in the hands.
First of all, it took Jan some time to learn to control the computer cursor with the power of thought, and over time his tasks became more and more complicated. As doctors noted, even if Jan had managed to move only one finger, the experiment could have been considered a success, but as a result, Jan did much more - he was able to lift a spoon with his paralyzed hand using the power of his own thought.
As a result, the experiment was successful, the technology showed itself in action and the specialists were satisfied with the result. This research project shows what a big step forward humanity has made. Similar technologies will allow in the future to eliminate the consequences of injuries or diseases that caused paralysis. It is worth noting that such significant results in this area are achieved thanks to bold decisions and extraordinary technologies.
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