Controlling a Robotic Hand With My Brain: My Experience With Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI)

Scott Imbrie was pronounced quadriplegic at the age of 22 after a car accident broke his neck. After years of physical therapy and healing allowed him to regain movement again, he underwent surgery in October 2020 at the University of Chicago to add four specialized electrodes into his brain. Now he spends 3 days a week at the University of Chicago participating in a study that aims to both understand how the motor cortex sends and in turn receives sensory data.

Beyond being able to trigger grasping or pinching movements in a robotic hand by concentrating on motor imagery — Scott has had the experience of feeling true-to-life sensations communicated back to him through the robotic hand.

Scott will share his perception of sensations, motor functions and movement after his life-changing surgery in October 2020 and his thoughts and unique experiences as a participant of BCI (Brain-Computer Interface) Studies.

As he assists in exploring the frontiers of neurological research, Scott encourages researchers to envision the potential of science to transform lives in ways we have yet to imagine, as well as highlight where traditional research has blind spots.