100 likes | 288 Views
Neuro-prosthetic Devices. Yael Hanein School of Electrical Engineering, Tel-Aviv University. http://www.eng.tau.ac.il/~hanein. Our brain is connected to a peripheral system of sensory inputs which allow us to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel
E N D
Neuro-prosthetic Devices Yael Hanein School of Electrical Engineering, Tel-Aviv University http://www.eng.tau.ac.il/~hanein
Our brain is connected to a peripheral system of sensory inputs which allow us to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel A damage to these sensors or to their link to the brain can cause serious medical conditions such as blindness and deafness
Neuro-prosthetic devices are electronic devices which can provide an input and links to the nervous system • By sending electrical pulses, they can restore various functions such as hearing, vision, and limb control • Cochlear implants are commercially available
The eye Our photo sensors are located in the retina, at the back of our eye. Their degeneration is a major cause for blindness
Electronics and biology are not naturally compatible • However, they can be interfaced using special materials
Recordings from a Retina Target: 625 electrodes, center-center spacing = 20 mm
Summary • Nanotechnology helps making better bio-materials • Retinal Implants and other neuro-prosthetic devices are likely to mature in the next several years