Engineering & Technology June 2014 www.EandTmagazine.

com
20 NEWS BRIEFING
W
W
W
.
N
I
C
O
L
E
L
I
S
L
A
B
.
N
E
T
,

D
U
K
E

U
N
I
V
E
R
S
I
T
Y
,
W
A
L
K
A
G
A
I
N

P
R
O
J
E
C
T
,

G
R
A
P
H
I
C

N
E
W
S
TheGraphic
A young Brazilian with paralysis is to deliver the ceremonial first kick
at the World Cup 2014 wearing a mind-controlled exoskeleton.
Motorised metal
braces: Stabilised by
gyroscopes, support
and bend kickers legs
Robotic suit:
Built from
lightweight
alloys and
polymers using
3D printing
technology
Sensing legs:
Sensors on foot detect
texture, pressure and
movement
Signals transmitted
to electronic vibrator
on patients arm,
stimulating skin
Over time brain
starts associating
movements of
legs with vibration
in arm patient
develops
sensation that
he has legs
Cap: Fitted with electrodes,
picks up brain signals and
relays them to computer
in backpack
Computer:
Decodes
signals into
commands
for robotic
legs
Battery:
Carried in
backpack,
allows for
around two
hours of use
Electrodes:
Arrays of flexible
plastic conduct
electricity, monitor
thousands of brain cells
Mind-controlled exoskeleton
If all goes according to plan in So Paulo on 12 June, the youngster
will stand up from a wheelchair, and kick a football in front of
70,000 spectators and a global viewing audience of billions.
World Cup 2014 security p32