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About

Isaac Okumura Tan is a rising leader in neurorehabilitation engineering, whose work sits at the intersection of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), soft robotics, and personalized stroke therapy. His research addresses a critical clinical gap: the under-treatment of somatosensory impairments after stroke. In a landmark 2022 questionnaire study (15 citations), Tan demonstrated that these deficits are frequently overlooked despite their profound impact on motor recovery, and he highlighted the growing promise of technology-driven solutions. Building on this insight, Tan has pioneered the integration of multimodal BCIs—combining EEG and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)—with soft robotic gloves to create adaptive, closed-loop rehabilitation systems. His 2025 paper on a personalized BCI-soft robotics system (9 citations) showcases a novel approach that tailors therapy in real-time to individual neural and physiological responses, marking a significant advance over one-size-fits-all protocols. By fusing data-driven neuroimaging with wearable robotics, Tan is not only improving upper limb function in chronic stroke patients but also laying the groundwork for truly individualized neurorehabilitation. His work stands at the forefront of a shift toward precision medicine in motor recovery.