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About

Duncan Ho is a pioneering neuroscientist whose research lies at the intersection of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) and assistive mobility. His most influential work, "Independent Mobility Achieved through a Wireless Brain-Machine Interface" (2016, 55 citations), demonstrates a groundbreaking approach to restoring autonomy for individuals with tetraplegia. In this study, Ho and his team developed a wireless integrated system that allowed two macaques to control a robotic platform simply by thinking, enabling them to move independently without physical assistance. This achievement represents a major leap forward in translating BMI technology from stationary cursor control to real-world, self-directed locomotion. By eliminating the need for wired connections, Ho’s work addresses a critical barrier to practical, everyday use of neural prosthetics. His contributions have profound implications for enhancing quality of life and independence for people with severe motor disabilities. With a focus on wireless, untethered systems, Ho continues to push the boundaries of how neural signals can be harnessed to restore movement and agency, making him a key figure in the future of neurorehabilitation and assistive robotics.