March 28th, 11am - 1pm  

 

Imagine that you lost your ability to use your hand or legs. Perhaps you even lost the limb itself. What would you do? How would you adapt? What challenges would you face on a daily basis? You may know one or more people who are affected by similar circumstances. Even famous public figures like physicist Stephen Hawking or past U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt have experienced the effects of paralysis and nerve atrophy.

 

Now imagine a future where missing or non-working body parts could be replaced or made useable with robotic prosthetic devices. These devices could closely simulate the human anatomy in beautiful detail, perhaps eventually even to the point that they looked quite similar. Robotic legs could allow those who are unable to walk to do so; mechanical hands could let a person pick up objects, draw, cook, clean, and more! Better yet, imagine that these devices plugged directly into your nervous system, allowing you to control them with your brain (much like a regular limb) and even to enjoy the sensation of touch. Wouldn’t that be great?!

 

Fortunately, this dream is currently being pursued by biomedical researchers, and real 

progress is being made! Join us as we explore this progress and the world of robotic 

prosthetic devices through a brain-computer interface with Dr. Dan Moran of Washington University in a cafe that we call Bionics!

 

 

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