Naturalistic Sensations for Bionic Legs: Biomimetic BCI with Giacomo Valle, PhD
Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!
Restoring Natural Sensations in Bionic Limbs
This chapter explores a clinical study involving transfemoral amputees who underwent electrode implantation to restore sensory feedback in bionic legs. It highlights the complexities of distinguishing between natural and induced sensations, with findings suggesting that biomimetic approaches yield more natural perceptions than traditional methods. The discussion also emphasizes the emotional and cognitive benefits of advanced bionic technologies, enhancing the functionality and confidence of amputees.
How can we help people with prosthetic legs walk more easily and with less effort?
In this episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, we explore this question with Giacomo Valle, PhD, a leading researcher in the field of biomimetic brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and bionic legs. Dr. Valle and his colleagues at ETH Zürich have developed an innovative biomimetic BCI that uses peripheral nerve stimulation to convey naturalistic touch sensations in bionic legs. This groundbreaking work has earned them a spot as one of the 12 finalists for the BCI Award 2023.
Dr. Valle's research focuses on creating artificial communication with the brain through peripheral nerve stimulation, providing a more intuitive and natural sensory experience. His team developed a biomimetic neurostimulation framework inspired by nature, capable of "writing" physiologically plausible information back into the peripheral nervous system. Using an in-silico model of mechanoreceptors, they created biomimetic stimulation policies, which were tested alongside mechanical touch and common linear neuromodulations.
In clinical trials, these techniques have shown significant improvements in mobility and reduced mental effort compared to traditional approaches. The neural responses produced by this innovative approach resemble those naturally induced, marking a significant advancement in assistive neurotechnologies.
Dr. Valle's project, "Biomimetic BCI Conveys Naturalistic Touch Sensations via Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Bionic Legs," represents a major leap forward in neuroengineering and bionics. With an educational background that includes a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and an M.S. in Bioengineering from the University of Genoa, and a Ph.D. in Biorobotics from the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Dr. Valle has extensive experience in this field. His career journey includes research positions at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and ETH Zurich, where he contributed to significant innovations in neuroprosthetics.
As a co-founder of the medtech startup MYNERVA and now a Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Bionics at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, Dr. Valle's research focuses on neuroengineering and computational models aimed at restoring sensory feedback and understanding somatosensory processing and neural control of movements.
Join us as Dr. Valle shares insights into his research, discusses his career path, and offers valuable advice for a successful BCI Award submission. Whether you're interested in the latest advancements in neuroengineering or seeking inspiration for your own scientific endeavors, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and expert guidance.
About the Podcast Guest:
Dr. Giacomo Valle holds a position as an Assistant Professor in Bionics, Head of the Neural Bionics Laboratory at the Department of Electrical Engineering | Life Bionics Chalmers University of Technology in Hörsalsvägen 11, SE - 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset R-huset, plan 7, Länsmansgatan 28, 431 80 Mölndal
Other Dr. Valle's affiliations: Cortical Bionics Research Group, USA: https://www.corticalbionics.com/
Co-founder MYNERVA Wyss Zurich Translational Center | ETH Zurich, Weinbergstrasse 35, WEH 8092 Zurich Switzerland
Contact Information:
E-mail: valleg@chalmers.se
@NeuralBionicsLab socials: LinkedIn, X.
Open Positions:
The Neural Bionics Lab (PI: Giacomo Valle) has available projects (6-12 months) starting this fall and next spring on: - Bidirectional neuroprosthetics - Implantable Brain-Computer Interfaces - Somatosensation & Touch - Neural stimulation for sensory restoration - Cortical & peripheral interfacing - Mechatronics for neurotechnology - Human neurophysiology Please contact us here or at valleg@chalmers.se sending your CV, transcript of records (Bachelor and Master) and motivation letter. Info about the projects on https://sirop.org/app/ Our projects are done in collaboration with Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago, CBRG, University of Zurich and MYNERVA. hashtag
About the Podcast Host:
The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a neuroscience educator, research consultant, and career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in the field, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.
Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:
- Identification and pursuit of career goals
- Guidance on job search strategies, resume, and cover letter development
- Neurotech / neuroscience job interview preparation and practice
- Networking strategies to connect with professionals in the field of neuroscience and neurotechnologies
- Ongoing support and guidance to help you stay on track and achieve your goals
You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation
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