Aragón Science

For the Realization of Restorative Prosthetics

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Current prosthetic technologies require unsightly, unmanageable electrodes mounted on the exterior of the body. Depending upon the device, electrodes are mounted either in the head, on the head or on the chest.

Electrodes on the head acquire electroencephalographic (EEG) signals, commonly referred to as "brain waves". Electrodes on the chest acquire electromyographic (EMG) signals, much like when a doctor checks your heart rhythm in the hospital. These signals are interpreted by a computer and fed into an electronic control system to drive servos and motors of prosthetics joints.

While these devices solve some problems, external electrodes and batteries present new complications. External electrodes are uncomfortable and draw attention, and simple every-day tasks such as bathing are made difficult. Imagine if you had to remove your arm to take a shower.

Why have prosthetics without such problems not yet been developed? We believe it is a lack of focus on the most challenging problems.

Aragón Science is dedicated to the development of fundamental neural interface technology that will enable a new generation of prosthetics to be permanently "plugged into" the body.  We also endeavor to derive energy from the body to power the prosthetic, eliminating the need for batteries.  The goal is to enable the restoration of affected persons so that they may return to a normal lifestyle.

The stated goals apply to artificial limbs and artificial spinal cord segments.  We aim to develop a scalable solution that can be tailored to individual patient needs, utilizing any remaining nerve function and repairing only what is necessary.

Primary-cultured cortical mouse neurons on a multielectrode array (MEA).

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