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AI is the key to astonishing breakthrough that allowed paralysed man to walk again
A scientific breakthrough has allowed a paralysed man to walk again after communication was re-established between his brain and spinal cord thanks to a wireless "digital bridge".


Thomas Moore
Science correspondent @SkyNewsThomas

Wednesday 24 May 2023 20:11, UK

Paralysed man walks again thanks to 'digital bridge technology' that reconnects brain and spinal cord1:32

A man, paralysed in a cycling accident 10 years ago, is now able to walk again because of a wireless digital link between his brain and spinal cord.

The video of Gert-Jan Oskam standing, walking and even climbing stairs is remarkable.

Yes, he drags his feet slightly. Yes, his movements are slow.

But he is in control. It is his thoughts, his intent to walk, that is being turned into action.

It's liberating for him. Not just because he can move his legs.

He says he can now choose to stand up from his wheelchair to have a beer with his friends at the bar. Don't underestimate the psychological importance of looking people in the eye, at their level.

It's all possible because of a brain computer interface.

Implants resting on the brain, just above the movement control centre, relay nerve signals to a computer that uses artificial intelligence to pick out the ones that matter and decode the intent.

Instructions are then sent wirelessly to a second implant in the spinal cord of the lower back, bridging the severely damaged nerves in Mr Oskam's neck.