Paralysed Child To Ceremonially Kick-Off 2014 World Cup Using Mind-Controlled Exoskeleton Suit (Video)

Chris Wright

7th, February 2014

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By Chris Wright

exoskeleton

Now that’s a headline! Brazil’s World Cup committee are hoping that a paralysed child will be able to perform the ceremonially ‘kicking-off’ of the 2014 tournament with assistance from a mind-controlled exoskeleton suit.

The exoskeleton suit is being designed and tested by the Walk Again Project and, according to Gizmodo, “supports the lower body, using brain activity to trigger movements in the suit”:

“Brain waves are detected using electrodes on the scalp, beamed wirelessly to the exoskeleton, and processed into commands which produce movement.

“That motion, however, will be complemented by feedback, to make the experience feel more natural. That means the suit will include sensors to monitor touch, temperature and forces on the suit, which will be fed back to the user via visual displays and vibrating motors.”

Though an actual ‘kicker’ is yet to be selected, they will eventually be picked from a small group of disabled children who will be training using the virtual technology in Brazil during the run-up to the World Cup…

Kewl.

(Via Gizmodo/New Scientist)