# 168. Neuroprosthetics: The Next Step Towards Limb Reconstruction

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2024-04-02
- Length: 19m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-02-168-neuroprosthetics-the-next-step-towards-limb-reconstruction
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/168-neuroprosthetics-the-next-step-towards-limb-reconstruction-IMvhDiXS

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss research from ETH Zurich on bio-inspired neuroprosthetics, which aims to replicate natural nervous system signals rather than using arbitrary computer-based pulses. The team developed a computer model called Footsim to map how real feet communicate with the brain under various stimuli, validating the model through experiments on cats and human trials. The hosts highlight that this biomimetic approach significantly improves user experience, allowing for better multitasking and reduced sensory overload compared to current state-of-the-art devices.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-02-168-neuroprosthetics-the-next-step-towards-limb-reconstruction#t=0) Introduction and Sponsor Read
- [2:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-02-168-neuroprosthetics-the-next-step-towards-limb-reconstruction#t=163) The Problem with Current Neuroprosthetics
- [6:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-02-168-neuroprosthetics-the-next-step-towards-limb-reconstruction#t=374) ETH Zurich's Bio-Inspired Approach
- [7:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-02-168-neuroprosthetics-the-next-step-towards-limb-reconstruction#t=457) Building and Validating the Footsim Model
- [9:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-02-168-neuroprosthetics-the-next-step-towards-limb-reconstruction#t=576) Cat Experiments and Human Trial Results
- [13:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-04-02-168-neuroprosthetics-the-next-step-towards-limb-reconstruction#t=820) Future Applications and Recap

## Topics

- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- ETH Zurich (company)
- Footsim (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Bio-Inspired Networks to Interface with Nervous System](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2024-04-19-bio-inspired-networks-to-interface-with-nervous-system) (EE Times Current)
- [Jeremiah Robison from Cionic creates bionic clothing to help patients walk better](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-06-10-jeremiah-robison-from-cionic-creates-bionic-clothing-to-help-patients-walk-bette) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Perceiving Touch With Event-Based Neuromorphic Computing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-12-15-perceiving-touch-with-event-based-neuromorphic-computing) (EE Times Current)
- [Understanding Real Brains with Robotic Rats, and Vice Versa](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-09-25-understanding-real-brains-with-robotic-rats-and-vice-versa) (EE Times Current)
- [Episode 90: Robotically Augmented People - Robot Talk Live](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-06-21-episode-90-robotically-augmented-people-robot-talk-live) (Robot Talk)

## Citing this page

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