Read on Twitter
Omg, I get SO EXCITED AT EVERY TWEET I JUST CAN'T PUT IT INTO WORDS!!!! https://twitter.com/Kristennetten/status/1151649554216828928
Like, the nerves arms are damaged, are still compressed, & are dying.
They're going to completely stop functioning over time (lower right arm is already totally cutting out intermittently).
They're going to completely stop functioning over time (lower right arm is already totally cutting out intermittently).
Even the robotic exoskeleton I've been attempting to create (far too slowly) would rely on myoelectric sensors- which requires at least SOME nerve signals be present in order to function
Because of the location of the nerves thst control hand & arm movements, once those lower arm nerves die completely, controlling a robotic exoskeleton hand by myoelectric means becomes....challenging. at best
It's scared tf out of me, this increasingly rapid degradation of arm/ hand functionality.
Bc dead nerves = major design challenges to make even an excellently designed robotic exoskeleton functional for me.
(def potentially insurmountable, for me anyways)
Bc dead nerves = major design challenges to make even an excellently designed robotic exoskeleton functional for me.
(def potentially insurmountable, for me anyways)
BUT- Neuralink's pioneering a way to connect to electronics WITHOUT NEEDING THE NERVES TO STILL BE ALIVE
I start crying every time I think of it.
Even if it takes until my arms & hands are hanging like overcooked spaghetti at my sides, the nerves complete dead,
I start crying every time I think of it.
Even if it takes until my arms & hands are hanging like overcooked spaghetti at my sides, the nerves complete dead,
THERE'S STILL A CHANCE I COULD CONTROL A ROBOTIC EXOSKELETON & ONE DAY BE ABLE TO USE MY ARMS & HANDS AGAIN
LIKE I USED TO, EVEN
I could use forks, spoons, knives, cut up my own food, lift & pour a jug of orange juice, & OPEN DOORS again!
I could crochet constantly again
LIKE I USED TO, EVEN
I could use forks, spoons, knives, cut up my own food, lift & pour a jug of orange juice, & OPEN DOORS again!
I could crochet constantly again
There's the possibility that I could have a future I'd look forward to again. Me. Disabled little me.
@neuralink & @elonmusk have given me hope, just when all hope was winking out
@neuralink & @elonmusk have given me hope, just when all hope was winking out
I HAD been racing to get my robotic exoskeleton assistive technology built before my hands & arms progressed to the point where I couldn't physically even turn a screw - on a good day.
I didn't make that deadline, & have been quite taken over by despair because of it.
I didn't make that deadline, & have been quite taken over by despair because of it.
With rapidly fading arms & hands (& a life in full tailspin into nothingness), I've been horribly disheartrned & downright despondent.
But, this move back to family (who all HAVE the physical ability to turn screws, cut metal, & might be convinced to help....),
But, this move back to family (who all HAVE the physical ability to turn screws, cut metal, & might be convinced to help....),
Coupled with the Neuralink announcement, give rise to an exciting, potential new deadline/goal. 
Perhsps:
Get #MechAquarius built & operational by the time they start Neuralink human trials.
Perhsps:
Get #MechAquarius built & operational by the time they start Neuralink human trials.
I MIGHT HAVE A FUTURE AGAIN
Just the thought has me in tears.
I admit, part of me is afraid to hope too much.
There are hurdles galore.
Not just w/ my #MechMe , but also - how to get on that list of trial test subjects
Even so, this Neuralink announcement is shining like a brilliant beacon of hope
I admit, part of me is afraid to hope too much.
There are hurdles galore.
Not just w/ my #MechMe , but also - how to get on that list of trial test subjects
Even so, this Neuralink announcement is shining like a brilliant beacon of hope
I'm devouring this document...
IT ACTUALLY MENTIONS THE SENSE OF TOUCH!!
I was a touch typist. 82 wpm.
I crocheted by touch, too. Could mske the coolest corners on a crocheted blanket in tge darkest of movie theaters.
The thought of getting back fine touch w/fine motor skills
IT ACTUALLY MENTIONS THE SENSE OF TOUCH!!
I was a touch typist. 82 wpm.
I crocheted by touch, too. Could mske the coolest corners on a crocheted blanket in tge darkest of movie theaters.
The thought of getting back fine touch w/fine motor skills
& neuroprosthetics!!
Like...robotic exoskeletons
Like...robotic exoskeletons
I'm going to start adding articles/tweets I see on this to this thread.
I kepp hopping to other thi gs, but keep coming back to this, bc IT'S SO EXCITING https://twitter.com/EVAutonomy/status/1152058452924960769?s=19
I kepp hopping to other thi gs, but keep coming back to this, bc IT'S SO EXCITING
https://twitter.com/EVAutonomy/status/1152058452924960769?s=19
A meh article. Some good info, but far too negative, & misses the point numerous times. https://www.technologyreview.com/s/613974/neuralink-whats-new-and-what-isnt-elon-musks-brain-computer-interface/
A much better article!! With a good overview of current efforts in the field https://www.ft.com/content/eec3bfb2-aa09-11e9-b6ee-3cdf3174eb89
They GET IT, too
A pretty cool article https://www.roadtovr.com/elon-musk-neuralink-oculus-carmack/
An interesting summary thread https://twitter.com/danielchao/status/1151615583621799937?s=19
Or...a robotic exoskeleton 
https://twitter.com/tanyalewis314/status/1151354992000978949?s=19
https://twitter.com/tanyalewis314/status/1151354992000978949?s=19
I sincerely wish this was an option for me 
Unfortunately, using my own muscles (when they cooperate) causes inflammation & horrendous PAIN.
Unfortunately, using my own muscles (when they cooperate) causes inflammation & horrendous PAIN.
Thus the need for the exoskeleton - to hold my spine in place so it doesn't shift & pinch the stem of the arm/hand nerves.
& to provide the structural support needed for steady/smooth movement of hands & arms, despite the muscle wasting caused in part by lack of nerve stimulatn
& to provide the structural support needed for steady/smooth movement of hands & arms, despite the muscle wasting caused in part by lack of nerve stimulatn
Also, none of the current efforts are widespread. They're 'demo cases'
Just a few ppl, here & there.
Even the creators of THE BEST ROBOTIC HAND EVER say it's too expensive to fully test (or break/repair
). Let alone produce en mass https://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/dlr-super-robust-robot-hand
Just a few ppl, here & there.
Even the creators of THE BEST ROBOTIC HAND EVER say it's too expensive to fully test (or break/repair
). Let alone produce en mass https://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/dlr-super-robust-robot-hand
THE hand
Isn't it BEAUTIFUL
This is the pulley/dyneema cord system that I'm drawing off of the most for my #MechAquarius design
Granted, mine will be FARRRR more crude/steampunkish, (the frame already is), but if I could open door again, it'll be worth it!
I'm liking that first step https://twitter.com/tanyalewis314/status/1151340701315190785?s=19
https://twitter.com/tanyalewis314/status/1151340701315190785?s=19
Previous assistive techs - functional, useful ones- have been abandoned bc -
Elon is dedicated, committed, to making Neuralink's interface a reality.
This gives me hope that this tech will not only come to fruition, but will stick around, too!
This gives me hope that this tech will not only come to fruition, but will stick around, too!
