On this basis, the signals have been used in two applications. In order to ensure autonomous mobility, the neural prosthesis also needs to be informed of the position of the body and the limbs, without having to depend on external equipment. This instrument does not need to be connected to any laboratory equipment or external reference, as is the case with other systems. The control strategies developed by the European researchers have been successfully tested. The methods which permit the interpretation of the user's intentions, in terms of the motor skill to be exercised, have proved perfectly effective and do not require the user to give explicit commands for each movement which he or she wishes to perform.
Trials are currently under way.
As a next step, the most promising of these strategies will be transferred to clinical systems. Although not directly linked to the objectives of Neuros, this supplementary stage reflects the aims of many other European projects, notably Tide Crest, in which we are also actively involved. The technologies already available are likely to benefit the partially disabled who have difficulty in walking.