Rob Controls Rex and Walks Under His Own Brainwave Control

 

The main point of the trip to Rome was for the Robotics Conference but we did manage to squash in visits to some of Rome’s big attractions. Some of the sightseeing was done in a drive past mode from the comfort of the air conditined Cavarvelle but taking on the Italian driving was interesting in itself!

 

We did venture out into the 40 degree heat to see the famous Trevi Fountain on the first day which unfortunately was under repair from a football hooligan attack and so there was no water! There was time however for that all important ice cream stop.

 

Getting around proved that it was the right decision to take Rob’s All Terrain chair as he had to tackle not only cobbled streets but also some pretty sizable curbs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day two was the training day for Rex and to see whether the brain wave control would work. Our route to the venue took us past the Colosseum which, even as a drive past, is really impressive. Thankfully we were allowed to park inside the University buildings to meet up with the Rexbionics team and Atilla Kilicarslan who was the research engineer from Houston University with the brain machine interface technology.

Atilla explained the process of putting the cap on Rob with its 79 electrodes, making good contact by injecting gel through each one and then mapping Rob’s brainwaves as Rex was manually made to walk. It was important for total concentration from Rob with a detailed thought process of each step, and as importantly the stop, so  that he would think exactly the same when he took control of Rex.

The actual mapping process for “walk right”, “walk left” and “stop” only took about 5 minutes. Some technical computer work was then done and the next stage  was for Rob to control Rex from his chair with someone else in Rex. First up was Peter, the Rex engineer, and after that  Rob took control of his Dad in it!

All went well and so then it was time for Rob to get into Rex himself and walk. This was a world first – no one before who is tetraplegic and on a ventilator had done this. Amazing technology.

Training day done, the team was confident for the next day and  so it was back to the apartment for a cool down and rest before heading out with the carer team for a well earned meal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That evening  Rob also had to do 3 short video answers to questions that were to be shown at the panel session which was to take place at 9am the next morning. Rob was never going to make that time and last the whole day but his input was really important to the workshop delegates who were a small group of world leaders in exoskeleton and brainwave control from around the globe. You can watch Rob’s answers in these two video clips: Video Clip 1  Video Clip 2 

 

Prior  to the actual workshop Rob’s brainwaves were mapped again this time whilst being walked in Rex, rather than sitting in his chair to improve the accuracy on the day.  So with all preparations done  it was down to the actual demonstration – “Over to you Rob” said Atilla… but nothing happened – “Don’t worry let me make an adjustment on the computer – now try again” This time there was no stopping Rob as he marched across the floor as you can see in this Video Clip. A quick help to spin around and then back across the room again to prove it was no fluke. A very satisfied Rob and proud team as it was mission accomplished along with many thoughts of what may the future hold.

We thought that as in Rome we should try to fit in one last bit of sight seeing and so picked on going to the St.Peter’s Basilica and piazza at the Vatican. It was a whistle stop tour around the outside but an amazing place to be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was then back to the apartment to get ready for the trip home the next day.

The trip taught us many things not least that flying is doable and Rob tolerated the 40 degree heat so who knows where the next holiday will be. Rob is also very grateful to Network Health and his carers that travelled with him as their detailed preparation and can do attitude help make it such a success.