Advanced Rehabilitative Technology: Neural Interfaces and Devices - Chapter 1: Introduction

People have speculated that humans could directly control machines by using neural interfaces and devices, for example, by biological signals from human limbs, muscles, or the brain. The neural interfaces would help the aged or disabled control the rehabilitation and assistive devices themselves allowing them to physically engage with the world. Recent developments in neural and muscular interfacing technologies could open a new window that allows the patient's biological system to directly communicate with the world. These developments can potentially help millions of individuals who need rehabilitation or assistance from robotic devices.