The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has developed a first-of-its-kind Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)-based Robotic Hand Exoske...
The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has developed a first-of-its-kind Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)-based Robotic Hand Exoskeleton to transform stroke rehabilitation and redefine post-stroke therapy by accelerating recovery and enhancing patient outcomes. This innovation is the result of 15 years of rigorous research by Prof. Ashish Dutta from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur, supported by Department of Science and Technology (DST), UK India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The BCI-based robotic hand exoskeleton employs a
unique closed-loop control system that actively engages the patient’s brain
during therapy. It integrates three essential components: a Brain-Computer
Interface that captures EEG signals from the brain’s motor cortex to assess the
patient’s intent to move, a robotic hand exoskeleton that performs therapeutic
hand movements, and software that synchronizes brain signals with the
exoskeleton for real-time assist-as-required force feedback. This synchronized approach
ensures continuous engagement of the brain, fostering faster and more effective
recovery.
Speaking about the innovation, Prof. Ashish
Dutta said, “Stroke recovery is a long and often uncertain
process. Our device bridges the gap between physical therapy, brain engagement,
and visual feedback creating a closed-loop control system that activates brain
plasticity, which is the brain's ability to change its structure and function
in response to stimuli. This is especially significant for patients whose
recovery has plateaued, as it offers renewed hope for further improvement and
regaining mobility. With promising results in both India and the UK, we are optimistic
that this device will make a significant impact in the field of
neurorehabilitation.”
Stroke-induced motor impairments often result from
damage to the motor cortex, and traditional physiotherapy methods have
limitations due to insufficient brain involvement. This device addresses this
by linking brain activity with physical movement. During therapy, patients are
visually guided on screen to perform random hand movements, such as opening or
closing their left or right fist, while their correct intent to move generates
EEG signals in the brain and EMG signals in the muscles. These two signals are
then fused to activate the robotic exoskeleton in assist-as-required mode. This
ensures that the brain, muscles and visual engagement work in harmony to
improve recovery outcomes.
Pilot clinical trials conducted in collaboration
with Regency Hospital (India) and the University of Ulster (UK), have yielded
exceptional results, showcasing the transformative potential of the
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)-based Robotic Hand Exoskeleton. Remarkably,
eight patients—four in India and four in the UK—who had plateaued in their
recovery one or two years post-stroke achieved complete recovery through this
innovative therapy. The device significantly enhances the effectiveness of
rehabilitation by actively engaging the brain during therapy, leading to faster
and more comprehensive recovery compared to conventional physiotherapy.
Stroke recovery is most effective within the first
six to twelve months, but this device has demonstrated the ability to
facilitate recovery even beyond that critical timeframe. With large scale
clinical trials underway with Apollo Hospitals in India, the device is expected
to be commercially available within three to five years, offering new hope to
stroke patients.
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