93921 - Neurorobotics and Neurorehabilitation

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student: - knows the main neuroengineering methods to develop the interaction between intelligent devices and the neural system; - knows the main neuro-robotic and neurorehabilitation approaches; - knows brain-inspired systems and devices based on the interaction among body, brain and computer for the recovery of motor skills and cognitive abilities.

Course contents

Models for sensorimotor integration and computational neuroscience of motor control. Motor learning, adaptation and re-learning after brain damage. Models of motor control system and sensorimotor integration derived from psychophysics, movement biomechanics and computational neurosciences. Neural basis for motor control in humans. Motor re-learning after brain damage: neurorehabilitation issues.

Neurorobotics and Functional Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation. Robotics in rehabilitation: introduction and control strategies; speech and language neurorehabilitation using robotic-based therapy; Functional Electrical Stimulation in neurorehabilitation: bioengineering issues. Biomimetic control systems for neuroprostheses. Interfacing and control (interfaces with the peripheral nervous system), utilizing artificial neural networks for Functional Electrical Stimulation. Applications in rehabilitation.

Human-machine interfaces for restoring communication and mobility. Invasive and non-invasive BCIs; imaging and brain biomarkers, brain-computer interface design, covert and overt speech tasks, motor imagery and motor execution tasks, mindfulness, neurofeedback, human factors and ergonomics.

Readings/Bibliography

Reinkensmeyer, D. J., & Dietz, V. (Eds.). (2016). Neurorehabilitation technology. New York: Springer.

Dimitrousis, C., Almpani, S., Stefaneas, P., Veneman, J., Nizamis, K., & Astaras, A. (2020). Neurorobotics: Review of Underlying Technologies, Current Developments and Future Directions. Neurotechnology: Methods, advances and applications

Other textbooks:

Farina, D., Jensen, W., & Akay, M. (Eds.). (2013). Introduction to neural engineering for motor rehabilitation (Vol. 40). John Wiley & Sons.

Dietz, V., & Ward, N. (Eds.). (2015). Oxford textbook of neurorehabilitation. Oxford University Press, USA.

Artemiadis, P. (Ed.). (2014). Neuro-robotics: From brain machine interfaces to rehabilitation robotics (Vol. 2). Springer.

Teaching methods

The course will consist in classroom lessons, during which the teacher will explain the single subjects, and will develop exercises to help students familiarize with circuit analysis and design, and prepare them for the final examination. Laboratory experiences (mandatory for the students) will be performed to allow practical contents to be practised and acquired by the students.

Assessment methods

Written assessment (quizzes and open-ended questions) and oral assessment.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, notebook, projector, lecture notes, Biomedical Engineering Laboratory.

Office hours

See the website of Cristiano Cuppini

See the website of Silvia Orlandi