Category: Publication

NeuroRobotics Lab Partners with Meta to Advance Accessible Wearable Technology for People with Limited Hand Mobility

The Utah NeuroRobotics Lab, led by Dr. Jacob A. George, has launched a new research collaboration with Meta to evaluate how consumer-grade wrist wearables can make human-computer interaction more accessible for people with varying levels of hand mobility. Building on previous research that demonstrated how surface electromyography (EMG) signals remain viable for control even with reduced signal-to-noise ratios, Dr. George’s team will now assess Meta Neural Band technology with end users who have neuromuscular conditions. The research will examine how EMG-based gesture controls can enable individuals to operate computers, smart home devices, and potentially recreational mobility equipment like the University of Utah’s TetraSki. This collaboration emphasizes co-design with end users to ensure the technology meets diverse needs and can be customized for people with conditions such as muscular dystrophy, stroke, spinal cord injury, ALS, and limb loss.

Learn More: Read the full article on Meta’s blog: A Look at the University of Utah’s Accessibility Research Using Meta Neural Band

Nature Communications paper hits major global impact milestone

Congratulations to Marshall Trout and co-authors Fredi, Connor Olsen, Taylor Hansen, and David J. Warren on their recent publication in Nature Communications.

The paper has already received significant global visibility, including:

  • Altmetric score: 813 (99th percentile; top 5% of all research outputs tracked)

  • 143 unique news stories, syndicated across 500+ outlets

  • Estimated reach of 406,729 unique viewers

Read the Altmetric report: Click Here
Paper: Shared human-machine control of an intelligent bionic hand improves grasping and decreases cognitive burden for transradial amputees

New Nature Communications paper highlights smarter, more intuitive bionic-hand control

A University of Utah team led by Marshall Trout and Jacob A. George published a new paper in Nature Communications demonstrating shared human–machine control for a commercial bionic hand. By integrating proximity + pressure sensing and using AI to help each finger “find” contact automatically, users can maintain control while the hand handles the fine-grain adjustments—resulting in more secure, more precise grasps with lower cognitive burden.

Read the paper

As of Jan 13, 2026, the paper has an Altmetric attention score of 814.

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/

BIOS Named 2025 Innovation Awards Honoree

We’re proud to announce that BIOS, a company that spun out of our lab, has been named an Emerging Honoree in the Healthcare & Life Sciences category of the 2025 Utah Business Innovation Awards. This annual recognition celebrates the groundbreaking companies and technologies shaping Utah’s future — and BIOS’ inclusion highlights how research born in our lab is transforming lives beyond the university walls.

BIOS is pioneering a Universal Neural Interface that intercepts, captures, and edits neural signals — creating a bridge between the human nervous system and advanced prosthetic devices. This breakthrough technology addresses a critical challenge in prosthetic adoption: many users abandon devices due to limited control or lack of sensory feedback. BIOS’ innovations are designed to change that, making prosthetics that move and feel like a biological limb.

The company’s recognition is more than just an award — it’s a testament to the power of research translation and the impact of collaborative innovation. What began as an ambitious idea in our lab has grown into a technology with the potential to transform the lives of people with limb loss and neurological conditions.

We congratulate the BIOS team on this well-deserved honor and look forward to continuing our shared mission of advancing human-machine integration to improve quality of life.

🏆 Read the full announcement on Utah Business.

Inside the Future of Neurotech: Touring the BIOS Lab at the University of Utah

BioUtah recently toured the groundbreaking Biologic Input Output Systems (BIOS) Lab at the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital—where cutting-edge neurotechnology, AI, and robotics converge. With innovations like the LUKE Arm, BIOS and the University of Utah’s NeuroRobotics Lab are redefining what’s possible in prosthetic mobility and sensory feedback. Joined by key partners and policymakers, this visit highlighted Utah’s leadership in life-changing medical innovation.

Linkedin Post

 

Closing the Gap: Making Advanced Neuroprosthetics Accessible to All

In a recent Financial Times article, the LUKE Arm and other AI-powered prosthetics were spotlighted as groundbreaking yet financially out of reach for many amputees. At the NeuroRobotics Lab, we recognize this challenge—and are committed to driving down costs while pushing the boundaries of human–machine integration. Our work isn’t just about innovation—it’s about ensuring life-changing technology becomes truly life-accessible.

Financial Times Article
Linkedin Post

Sci-Fi Tech Helping Veterans: University of Utah’s LUKE Arm on Fox 13

Fox 13 explores how the LUKE Arm, developed at the University of Utah, is transforming the lives of veterans. This segment delves into the real-world impact of the bionic prosthetic, emphasizing how cutting-edge research is making a tangible difference for those who need it most.

https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/how-the-university-of-utah-is-using-sci-fi-technology-to-help-veterans

 

Sci-Fi Becomes Reality: LUKE Arm Showcased at the Big Game

Hoodline magazine highlights how the LUKE Arm took center stage at one of the biggest sporting events of the year. With its groundbreaking prosthetic technology, the LUKE Arm is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, bringing a once sci-fi concept into real-world use.

https://hoodline.com/2025/02/sci-fi-turned-reality-university-of-utah-s-luke-arm-steals-spotlight-at-big-game-with-revolutionary-prosthetic-tech/