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# Mind-Powered Prosthetic Limbs
The Braingate Robotic Arm Moves Based on Human Thought

By Sarah Moore | Published 2012-05-20 | Unique
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braingate-robotic-arm
References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/braingate-clinical-trials/22586/) & [news.brown.edu](http://news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2012/05/braingate2)

For a paralyzed individual, the ability to move their arm or leg in the same way as everyone else used to be more science-fiction than reality, but the BrainGate robotic arm is making that dream a bit more tangible.

While still in very early stages of development, the device has made great strides toward completing a functioning prosthetic limb that is operated using a person's thoughts.

By implanting a tiny computer chip the size of a baby Aspirin into the cortex of the subject's brain, a robotic arm could be controlled in the same way that someone with full limb functionality would move -- by simply thinking about moving.

While there is much more research to be done, especially when it comes to making a wireless option to avoid surgical implantation, the device brings revived motor function a little bit closer to reality for those who have lost that ability.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.2/10
- Popularity: 26% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Mind-powered Prosthetics:** BrainGate's breakthrough technology is showing the potential of mind-powered prosthetic limbs.
- **Neuroprosthetics:** The BrainGate robotic arm is an innovative example of neuroprosthetics that can change the field of prosthetics.
- **Brain-computer Interfaces:** BrainGate's implantable computer chip serves as a significant development in the field of brain-computer interfaces.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Medical Devices:** BrainGate's device for mind-powered prosthetics is an exemplary addition to the medical devices industry.
- **Prosthetics:** The breakthrough made by BrainGate's technology is highly relevant for the prosthetics industry.
- **Neuroscience:** BrainGate's device for mind-powered prosthetics is poised to create significant innovations in the field of neuroscience.

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