Wireless, implantable neural interface technologies

神经接口（NIs）是与外周或中枢神经系统（例如脑、外周神经或脊髓）连接并检测、记录和/或刺激神经活动以恢复因神经损伤或疾病而丧失的功能的装置。例如，我们一直在开发恢复站立和行走的椎管内微刺激（ISMS）技术，并成功地恢复了行走猫模型的站立和行走功能。然而，NPs需要大量的数据处理；神经活动必须被检测、记录和处理；预测的身体位置，关节轨迹和肌肉的力量计算；然后，大量复杂的信号被发送回大脑、神经和/或脊髓。例如，所有这些都必须在几分之一秒内完成，才能产生平稳、自然的行走。目前的技术并不适用于现实世界的NI/NP应用；处理由大型单元提供，这些单元通过电缆和电线连接到主体。为了使NIs和NPs可用，必须开发具有超低功耗要求的数据处理和通信技术，并且是微电子级的，以便适合植入。目前还没有这样的技术。

Neural interfaces (NIs) are devices that interface with the peripheral or central nervous system, for example the brain, peripheral nerves, or the spinal cord, and detect, record and/or stimulate neural activity to restore function lost to neural injury or disease. For example, we have been developing the technique of intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) for restoring standing and walking and have successfully restored standing and walking function in the cat model for walking. However, NPs require large amounts of data processing; neural activity must be detected, recorded and processed; predictions of body position, joint trajectories, and muscular forces are calculated; then numerous, complex signals are sent back to the brain, nerves, and/or spinal cord. All of this must happen in fractions of a second to generate smooth, natural walking, for example. Current technology is not practical for real-world NI/NP applications; processing is supplied by large units that are tethered to the subject by cables and wires. For NIs and NPs to become usable, data processing and communication technologies must be developed that have ultra-low power requirements, and are of the microelectronic scale so as to be suitable for implantation. Such technologies are not currently available.