Hacking the human body

Sight restoration in Age-Related Macular Degeneration may be possible with novel cell-based therapies that replace the damaged cells in the eye. Delivery of these treatments is very demanding for humans and lies at the limit of conventional surgery. We are creating novel instruments and sub-millimeter flexible robots that act as a wrist on the retinal layer, thus allowing the surgeon to more precisely and intuitively access hard to reach regions of the retina. We envision these new snake-like instruments to become the missing link between surgeons and biologists for restorative medicine.

For almost two decades there has been a growing interest and activity to explore the use of robots in the area of rehabilitation, where the model is to incorporate robotic assistance designed to enhance recovery following injury. In this model it is expected that the robot will be made available possibly during the patient’s hospital stay or in the months that follow. This talk will look at new ways of using robots and games and will demonstrate how strategies that aim to ‘trick’ the brain can have a positive impact on the recovery of cognitive and physical injuries and in reducing pain.