Wireless, implantable neural interface technologies

神经接口（NI）是与外周或中枢神经系统（例如脑、外周神经或脊髓）接口的装置，并且检测、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。例如，我们一直在开发用于恢复站立和行走的脊柱内微刺激（ISMS）技术，并成功地恢复了猫行走模型的站立和行走功能。 然而，NP需要大量的数据处理;必须检测、记录和处理神经活动;计算身体位置、关节轨迹和肌肉力量的预测;然后将大量复杂的信号发送回大脑、神经和/或脊髓。 例如，所有这些都必须在几分之一秒内发生，以产生平滑，自然的行走。 目前的技术对于真实世界的NI/NP应用来说并不实用;处理是由通过电缆和电线连接到对象的大型单元提供的。 为了使NI和NP变得可用，必须开发具有超低功率要求的数据处理和通信技术，并且是微电子规模的，以便适合于植入。 目前还没有这种技术。

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.