Neural Prosthetic Systems Laboratory (NPSL)
Code Funding Group News Overview Publications Prof. Shenoy Talks

Our group conducts neuroscience and neuroengineering research to better understand 
how the brain controls movement, and to design medical systems to assist people with 
movement disabilities.



2013 NSF-IGERT short video on neuroscience of reach planning and generation.
(Winning entry of the Public Choice and Community Choice awards.) 
EM Trautmann, KC Ames, N Maheswaranathan, DJ O'Shea, SD Stavisky. video

Our neuroscience research investigates the neural basis of movement preparation and 
generation using a combination of electro-/opto-physiological (e.g., chronic electrode-array 
recordings and optogenetic stimulation), behavioral, computational and theoretical 
techniques (e.g., dynamical systems, dimensionality reduction, single-trial neural 
analyses; see Fig.). For example, how do neurons in premotor (PMd) and primary 
motor (M1) cortex plan and guide reaching arm movements?

Our neuroengineering research investigates the design of high-performance and robust neural prostheses (see illustration). Neural prostheses are also known as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). These systems translate neural activity from the brain into control signals for prosthetic devices, which can assist paralyzed people by restoring lost motor functions. This work includes statistical signal processing, machine learning, low-power circuits, and real-time system modeling and implementation. For example, how can we design motor prostheses with performance rivaling the natural arm, or communication prostheses rivaling the throughput of spoken language?

Our neural prosthetic translational efforts, including an FDA Phase-I clinical trial termed BrainGate2, are conducted as part of the Stanford University Neural Prosthetic Translational Laboratory (NPTL). NPTL is co-directed by Professor Jaimie Henderson, MD (Department of Neurosurgery) and Professor Shenoy.

Updated: 24 May 2013