Papers
3
Total Citations
177
H-Index
2
About
Cristina Daia is a leading researcher at the intersection of neurorehabilitation, assistive technology, and biomedical engineering, with a core focus on restoring function and independence for individuals with severe physical disabilities. Her most impactful work, a 2012 study with 174 citations, rigorously assessed the feasibility of using motor imagery EEG-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to control assistive robotic arms for chronic tetraplegics following spinal cord injury. This landmark clinical trial and long-term follow-up demonstrated that patients could successfully operate a robotic arm for reaching and grasping tasks using only their brain signals, providing critical evidence for the real-world viability of non-invasive BCIs. Beyond BCI, Daia has contributed to the design of "smart homes" and ambient assisted living (AAL) systems tailored for people with special needs, as well as proposing mechanical and electromechanical optimizations for wheelchairs and exploring the potential of wearable exoskeletons to restore locomotion. Her work directly addresses the translational gap between advanced engineering and clinical application, making her a key figure in developing practical, life-changing technologies for those with severe neuro-locomotor impairments.
Research Focus
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