Implantable and wearable modular neuroprostheses to understand and restore neural functions

Neuroengineering is a novel discipline combining engineering including micro and nanotechnology, electrical and mechanical, and computer science with cellular, molecular, cognitive neuroscience with two main goals: (i) increasing our basic knowledge of how the nervous system works; and (ii) developing systems able to restore functions in people affected by different types of neural disability. Several breakthroughs have been reached by neuroengineers, in particular in the development of neurotechnologies able to restore sensorimotor functions in persons with disabilities.

In this presentation, I will provide several examples on how implantable interfaces can be used to restore sensory (tactile, position and thermal feedback for hand prostheses, vision), motor (grasping, locomotion), and autonomic functions (for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems) and how they can be used also to understand cognitive functions such as language and decision making.