Man with robotic limbs to kick first at 2014 FIFA World Cup

The electroencephalography technology is a part of the Walk Again Project started by Miguel Nicolelis, Duke University researcher and principal investigator. It also involves an international team of more than 150 neuroscientists, computer scientists and rehabilitation professionals.Taking advantage of the Walk Again Project, the young man will send a message from his brain to the robotic exoskeleton, driving the first kick of the world's most viewed sporting event. This will in turn inspire other paraplegic patient to bring out a sporty mood.

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Video: Portal da Copa

This device has been built using brain-machine interface technology, which can enable paraplegic patients with mobility. One of those scientists, University of Kentucky associate professor Dr. Lumy Sawaki, will stand on the field waiting for an expression of joy on the ceremonial kicker's face. For the past two years she has served as the lead clinician for the Walk Again Project, working closely with the kicker and seven other patients who participated in intensive modulation training to prepare for this 40-second ‘work-up’ demonstration. For Sawaki, seeing her patients react to the sensation of walking again makes the extreme demands of the Walk Again project worthwhile.

Sawaki, Director of physical rehabilitation research at Cardinal Hill Hospital, conducted a detailed study on paraplegic patients in order to create the smart device for them.  Paraplegic patients first engaged in a virtual environment where they are first trained to mobilize an avatar using EEG stimulation. "It's very rewarding to see this really close and tight integration between the clinical team and the engineers," said Sawaki.

The Walk Again project is an initiative taken up for the patients suffering from spinal cord injuries and have lost their ability to send signals from the brain to the legs. Through an innovative technique called electroencephalography, or EEG, these patients side-step this neurological function by sending brain wave signals directly to a mechanical exoskeleton.

While the fanfare surrounding the "work up" during the opening ceremonies of the World Cup bring international attention to the work of the Walk Again Project, Sawaki said the demonstration is just a beginning - a "kick start." More work will be required to refine the robotic exoskeleton. She tells her patients that the research being conducted through the Walk Again consortium has real potential to change the lifestyle of debilitated people.