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 instantly knew he was paralysed. Doctors initially believed he would be bed-bound. However, two years later, he uses a wheelchair and has regained some movement in his arms and fingers.
He has already experienced walking with AI assistance in trials in Wales and Germany. This technology uses complex algorithms to interpret brain signals and stimulate muscles. This bypasses the damaged spinal cord.
AI-powered exoskeletons and functional electrical stimulation (FES) are rapidly evolving. These offer hope for restoring mobility to individuals with paralysis. Ethical considerations and accessibility remain key challenges. Further research is planned to refine the technology and expand its availability.
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