Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Raviraj Nataraj’s research lies at the intersection of neural-machine interfaces, prosthetic control, and sensorimotor rehabilitation. His most impactful work, “Illusory movement perception improves motor control for prosthetic hands” (2018, 201 citations), demonstrates how leveraging illusory kinesthetic feedback can dramatically enhance the brain’s ability to control prosthetic limbs—a breakthrough that addresses the fundamental challenge of restoring natural movement sensation. Nataraj has also pioneered frameworks for characterizing the “sense of agency” in neural-machine interface prostheses, helping users distinguish their own intended actions from machine-generated movements. More recently, his investigations into augmented sensory feedback (ASF) during virtual reality motor training have shown how combining visual and haptic cues can reduce cognitive load and improve performance in both able-bodied individuals and those with spinal cord injury (SCI). His 2025 pilot study with SCI participants underscores the clinical promise of VR-based rehabilitation enhanced by ASF. With a growing portfolio that bridges engineering, neuroscience, and rehabilitation medicine, Nataraj is advancing the next generation of intuitive, feedback-rich prosthetic and therapeutic systems.