Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Thomas Hoellinger is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of neuroprosthetics, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), and robotic exoskeletons, dedicated to restoring mobility for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). His major contributions center on developing intuitive, crutch-less lower limb exoskeletons that decode user intent directly from neural signals. Hoellinger’s landmark 2014 study on EMG patterns during assisted walking, cited 146 times, revealed how exoskeleton guidance forces alter sensorimotor interactions and muscle activity, providing critical insights for designing more natural neuroprosthetic control. He was instrumental in the EC-funded MINDWALKER project, which advanced a brain-controlled exoskeleton, and demonstrated a proof-of-concept five-state P300-based foot lifter orthosis, enabling high-level command of gait. His work also includes modeling human locomotion with programmable central pattern generators (PCPG) to translate high-level BCI commands into fluid stepping. By integrating robotics, neural decoding, and rehabilitation science, Hoellinger has laid the groundwork for next-generation assistive devices that respond to thought, not just physical cues—a transformative step toward restoring autonomous, upright mobility.