Category: Media

BIOS Honored in Utah Business Innovation Awards

Biologic Input Output Systems (BIOS), a startup spun out of the Utah NeuroRobotics Lab, has been recognized as an Emerging Company in the Healthcare & Life Sciences category of the Utah Business Innovation Awards. The company’s Universal Neural Interface builds intuitive connections between the brain and advanced robotics to help people with limb loss regain natural movement and sensation, translating decades of University of Utah research into real-world impact. Read more about BIOS and the three University of Utah startups honored in this year’s awards here. 

BioHive Features BIOS–U of U Collaboration on Bionic Sensation

BioHive recently highlighted Jacob A. George, Chief Scientist at Biologic Input Output Systems (BIOS), discussing how their Universal Neural Interface is helping people with limb loss regain both movement and real, emotional sensation—often for the first time in decades. In a recent LinkedIn post featuring a video interview, BioHive showcases how BIOS is working with the University of Utah and the NeuroRobotics Lab to engineer advanced prosthetic limbs that reconnect patients with the world around them.

AI & Bionics: Utah NeuroRobotics Lab Featured in U of U AI Story

The University of Utah’s Office of Artificial Intelligence recently highlighted the Utah NeuroRobotics Lab for its groundbreaking work using AI to design bionic devices that restore movement and sensation for people with neuromuscular impairments. Led by Solzbacher-Chen Endowed Professor Jacob A. George, the lab bridges engineering, medicine, and advanced AI to create prosthetic and assistive technologies that improve independence and quality of life. Read the full feature here.

Spotlight on Fredi Mino: Inspiring the Next Generation of Bioengineers

Our lab is excited to share that Fredi is featured in a new online educational module created for middle school students through University of Utah Health and the Genetic Science Learning Center.

The module introduces students to bioengineering through the lens of prosthetics, and our team partnered with the Genetic Science Learning Center to help shape the content. As part of the project, Fredi appears in several videos, guiding viewers through the lab and talking about his path in engineering and prosthetics research.

The series also includes extensive b-roll footage from the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) shared spaces and highlights many of the researchers who work there, giving students an inside look at what it’s like to work in a modern rehabilitation and bioengineering environment.

You can explore the module here:
Bioengineering & Prosthetics – Working in a Lab
https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/careers/lab/

Our Work Featured in KSL Documentary A Higher Purpose

We’re honored to share that our lab’s work was recently featured in the KSL TV documentary “A Higher Purpose,” which highlights how Utah’s universities are tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges through research, innovation, and service.

The documentary explores projects across the state that are improving lives both locally and globally — from advancing public health and pioneering new technologies to promoting social equity and protecting the environment. Among these transformative efforts is our lab’s contribution to the development of the LUKE arm, a next-generation prosthetic designed to restore natural movement and sensation to individuals with limb loss.

Our team’s work on neural interfaces and human-machine integration is a key part of this groundbreaking technology. By connecting the human nervous system directly to advanced prosthetic systems, we aim to make devices that move and feel like a biological limb — helping users regain not just function, but independence and quality of life.

We’re proud to stand alongside other innovators in Utah’s academic community working toward a higher purpose: using science and technology to improve the human condition.

A Higher Purpose

Lab Spinoff Raises $350K

University of Utah affiliated startup, Biologic Input Output Systems (BIOS), recently received a $350,000 investment from the Utah Innovation Fund. BIOS is a neurotech startup working to commercialize a peripheral nerve interface for prosthetics and beyond. The technology behind BIOS was developed at the Utah NeuroRobotics Lab, and Dr. George serves as chief scientist for BIOS to support their technology development. The Utah Innovation Fund supports early-stage startups in Utah by providing capital, mentorship, and resources to drive innovation and growth. Focused on fostering entrepreneurship, the fund aims to accelerate the development of groundbreaking technologies and ideas, strengthening the local economy and advancing Utah’s position as a hub for innovation.

Read more about the investment and company here: https://www.utahbusiness.com/why-utah-innovation-fund-invested-in-bios/

Dr. George gives expert opinion on “Third Arm”

Dr. George was recently featured in an article as an expert opinion on the impact and future of new research regarding a "third arm." Researchers at EPFL recently developed a robotic arm that can be controlled voluntarily, in coordination with your other hands, by modulating your diaphragm muscles. Dr. George reviewed the research as a part of this news release and noted how controlling an additional arm, as opposed to controlling a replacement arm, is a much more difficult and interesting challenge. Dr. George regularly provides expert opinions on the latest research in neurorobotic technology.

You can read the news article here: https://www.snexplores.org/article/robotic-arm-gives-extra-hand

Featured in President Randall’s Legislature Presentation

University of Utah President, Taylor Randall, highlighted the Utah NeuroRobotics Lab multiple times during his recent presentations to the Utah State Legislature. The Utah NeuroRobotics Lab was recognized as a driving force of innovation at the University of Utah, pioneering new technologies that can lead to substantial economic growth in Utah. Slides from the talk highlighting the Utah NeuroRobotics Lab are shown below. Read more about President Randall's vision on the future of higher education and research in the state of Utah, or watch the full presentation.

NeuroRobotics Lab Featured in University Ad

The Utah NeuroRobotics Lab was highlighted in the latest University of Utah recruiting video airing online and on TV across the nation. The video highlights the many wonderful features of Utah, from the greatest snow (and skiing) on earth, to insane red-rock formations that are seemingly out of this world. The video also highlights the vibrant and diverse cultures within Salt Lake City and the surrounding Wasatch Mountains.  The video then goes on to highlight various highlights of the University of Utah, including a video of Dr. George and Connor Olsen working with the TASKA prosthetic hand in the Utah NeuroRobotics Lab, with a voiceover noting the University's "gifted professors."

Check out the inspiring video here: