The “Walk Again Project” could ensure that the first goal scored at the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be one for the ages.
Walk Again could allow a paralyzed teenager to take the ceremonial first kick at this summer’s tournament by wearing a mind-controlled robotic suit, which will allow him or her to kick a soccer ball, according to The Washington Post.
Duke University neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis leads the international team behind the “Walk Again Project.” He hopes to use technology to help the paralyzed walk.
“We want to galvanize people’s imaginations,” Nicolelis said. “With enough political will and investment, we could make wheelchairs obsolete.”
Sensors will detect a user’s brain waves and send them to the suit. The suit contains a computer, which will allow it to convert the brain waves into specific movements. Ten teenagers are training with a virtual version of the technology in Brazil, and one will be selected to kick off the World Cup on June 12.
If the winner scores as intended, the moment will inspire us to believe that anything is possible.
See the story of the Walk Again Project in the video below (via Sportsgrid).
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Photo via Twitter/@IndyStarSport
