A Swansea man paralysed in a freak accident is exploring how AI could help him walk again. Dan Richards, 37, suffered a severe spinal injury on New Year's Eve 2023 at Langland Bay. A wave flipped him over, causing him to hit the sand headfirst.
Richards immediately knew he was paralysed. Doctors initially believed he would be bed-bound. However, he has since regained some movement in his arms and fingers. He now uses a wheelchair.
AI technology offers a potential path to further recovery. Richards has already experimented with AI-assisted walking in Wales and Germany. These technologies use complex algorithms to interpret brain signals and stimulate muscles. This allows for controlled movement.
Spinal cord injuries disrupt communication between the brain and body. AI-powered exoskeletons and neural interfaces could bypass these damaged pathways. This offers hope for restoring mobility. Further research is needed to refine these technologies and make them widely accessible. Richards' journey highlights the potential of AI to transform the lives of people with paralysis.
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