Communication and Control for Reanimating Paralyzed Limbs via a Network of Wireless Micro-Implants

Functional reanimation of a paralyzed limb requires stimulation and sensing in multiple sites distributed throughout the limb. This paper describes a communication and control system for BION2™, a biomimetic system based on wireless, injectable neuromuscular implants that can detect the user’s intention, activate muscles and monitor the ensuing movements to support distributed feedback control with delays comparable to those achieved by the spinal cord. Various design features optimize the safety and efficacy of a system that must be reconfigurable to achieve many different clinical requirements despite highly constrained power and bandwidth.