Haptic controlled functional electrical stimulation of the lower extremities

With approximately 7,800 spinal cord injuries occurring in the United States a year it has become a goal of researchers, scientists, and engineers to develop an apparatus that will restore ambulation and sensation to the lower extremities. One proposition for paraplegic patients is to integrate haptic technology with functional electrical stimulation. Using currently available technology such as SensAble System's PHANTOMs and Electronic Data Systems' motion capture software, JACK, a prototype ringer guided haptic device with force-feedback will be developed.