Research summary
Today’s artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can accurately detect the intended movements of amputees and paralyzed patients using signals from their brains and muscles. This development is leading to new human-machine interface technologies that promote faster neuroplasticity and help these patients regain function. (Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change by growing and reorganizing.)
As Canada Research Chair in Artificial Intelligence for Human-centered Human-machine Interfaces, Dr. Ning Jiang aims to advance these interfaces to help people recover from nervous system injuries that leave them with sensory and motor dysfunction. Jiang and his research team are developing new AI algorithms for a brain-computer interface that can provide online feedback during rehabilitation, allowing stroke patients to retrain their brains to restore effective movement. He and his team are also developing new prosthesis technologies that will provide patient-driven biofeedback to vastly improve phantom limb pain management.