This project uses psychophysical experiments to understand the relationship between the electrotactile stimulus and the resulting touch sensation. One component of the project is exploring how the perceived intensity or strength of the sensation is controlled by the stimulation current, voltage, electrode geometry, environmental conditions, skin condition. A second component is exploring how the perceived quality, "tactile color," is similarly affected. This information will help designers of tactile information displays for sensory substitution or neuromodulation to optimize their designs.

This pilot project will investigate the use of CN-NINM combined with conditioning exercises to reduce symptoms of movement control disorders resulting from multiple sclerosis.

We have completed an initial inquiry on how recovery from neurological diseases may be enhanced by using a new method of synchronized brain stimulation called cranial-nerve non-invasive neuromodulation. Combined with specialized physical therapy or mental exercises, CN-NIMM may aid functional recovery from neurological impairment that is caused by stroke, trauma, or neurodegenerative disease.

This project uses electrical stimulation of touch to display computer graphics to the fingertips of the user. The fingertips explore the electrode array dynamically and receive touch sensations in the same shapes as the objects on the computer screen.

This project uses electrical stimulation of touch to display computer graphics to the fingertips of the user. The electrodes are attached to the hands and update their position based on the position of the hand on a computer monitor.

This project uses electrostatic stimulation of the fingertips (static cling) to display computer graphics to the exploring fingertips. The tactile patterns are felt as a variable sensation of texture or vibration.

This project developed a general-purpose, programmable instrument for displaying spatial and time-varying patterns on the tongue using electrical stimulation of touch. This is the platform technology for sensory substitution and neuromodulation research using the tongue. The TDU is the basis for the BrainPort™ series of devices sold by Wicab, Inc.

In this project we demonstrated, we believe for the first time, that humans tongue are capable of perceiving geometric shapes on their tongues. This work established proof of concept for electrotactile tongue information display.

This project developed a first prototype tactile vision system. A small hand- or head-controlled camera records the visual image, which is presented to the user's tongue. (Graphic variant of: Al Granberg, New York Times)

This project developed a first prototype vestibular (balance) sensory substitution system. A small sensor records head tilt and displays this information to the tongue, which helps users recover balance function both during and after use.

This project examines brain activity responsible for recovery of balance, posture, and gait in vestibular-impaired persons, while using a system that delivers a neuromodulation stimulus to the brain through the tongue. Brain activity is measured using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).