World Cup exoskeleton allows paraplegic to walk again

The 2014 World Cup's opening ceremony featured a paraplegic volunteer using an exoskeleton to kick a ball, showcasing the potential of brain-machine interfaces. This technology, developed by Dr. Miguel Nicolelis and his team, interprets brain activity to control devices. Initially tested on monkeys, the research demonstrated that consistent brain patterns could control robotic arms, even remotely. The Walk Again project aims to use this technology to help paraplegics walk, replacing wheelchairs with exoskeletons powered by brain signals. This groundbreaking work highlights the transformative potential of neuroscience and technology.

Who performed the ceremonial first kick at the 2014 World Cup?

• A paraplegic volunteer

• Cristiano Ronaldo

• Lionel Messi

• A Brazilian soccer player

What was the primary focus of Dr. Miguel Nicolelis's research?

• Studying the effects of exercise on the brain

• Understanding motor learning in the cerebral cortex

• Developing new soccer techniques

• Creating advanced computer algorithms

How did the researchers initially gather data on brain activity?

• By observing human subjects

• By using EEG caps

• By analyzing computer simulations

• By implanting electrodes in monkeys

What significant achievement was made with the brain-machine interface in 2003?

• A monkey controlled a robotic arm using thought alone

• A human learned to walk using an exoskeleton

• A human controlled a robotic arm using thought alone

• A monkey learned to walk using an exoskeleton

What is the Walk Again project's goal for paraplegics?

• To develop new types of wheelchairs

• To enable walking using non-invasive brain control

• To create advanced prosthetic limbs

• To improve physical therapy techniques

What technology does the Walk Again project plan to use instead of implanted electrodes?

• Infrared sensors

• EEG caps

• Ultrasound devices

• Magnetic resonance imaging

What potential impact does the research have on the future?

• It will improve soccer training methods

• It will enhance virtual reality experiences

• It might transform lives by enabling mobility for paraplegics

• It could lead to faster computers