On June 12, 2014, as the world tuned in to watch the commencement of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the first kick off to the games was done by a paraplegic man.
Check out this video of the ceremonial kick:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZrvdODe1QI
The 29 year-old man by the name of Juliano Pinto was joined by seven other paraplegics as they walked together onto the field, equipped with robotic exoskeletons, controlled with the mind. This technology uses brain waves to control the movements of the robotic system. The Walk Again Project is responsible for these revolutionary technologies. The international collaborative effort is led by a Brazilian neuroscientist, Miguel Nicolelis at Duke University in Durham, N.C and works with scientists from all around the globe.
The patients wear a head gear and are asked to think about moving. Sensors detect the information and allows for hydraulic drivers to move the exoskeleton , thus, allowing for movement of the lower limbs.
This revolutionary technology validates the further development of not only the possibilities in the world of science but for hope that one day, people who lack the ability to walk, will be able to do so. We are surely walking in the right direction.
