Maarten Ottenhoff, PhD

2026 Next Generation Research Grant in ALS

Restoring motor function for those who have lost their ability to move using a brain-computer interface

Institution: Brown University

Project Summary:

People who have lost the ability to move their arms and hands due to spinal cord injury or diseases like ALS often say that regaining arm function is one of the most important improvements they could make to their quality of life. While brain-computer interfaces have already shown that brain signals can be used to control a robotic arm, most systems only support one arm at a time and require long setup sessions before they can be used. These limitations have made it difficult to translate promising lab demonstrations into tools that work reliably in everyday situations.

Dr. Ottenhoff aims to give a person with paralysis fast, reliable control of two robotic arms at once using signals directly from the brain. His project uses implanted sensors in both sides of the motor cortex (the area of the brain responsible for controlling arm and hand movement) to capture richer brain activity. This is combined with new calibration methods that let the system start working almost immediately instead of after long training sessions. Over time, advanced AI models learn from the user’s brain signals to improve fine, coordinated movements like gripping, reaching, and using both hands together.

By improving reliability, speed, and two‑handed control, this approach could make brain‑controlled robotic arms practical for everyday life, rather than just lab demonstrations. It could allow people with severe paralysis to perform essential daily tasks like dressing, eating, and handling objects independently. This research will also deepen scientific understanding of how the two halves of the brain coordinate movement, informing the design of future assistive technologies and rehabilitation approaches.

This research is funded by The ALS Association and American Brain Foundation.