Thanks to “Project Walk Again”, a collaboration between the Technical University of Munich, the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience of Natal in Brazil and Colorado State University, a paralyzed teenager was able to kick the first ball at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
“Project Walk Again” managed to accomplish this by essentially connecting the volunteer’s brain to a responsive exoskeleton. The participant’s brain waves could then communicate with the exoskeleton and get it to move for him. Think Iron Man but real.
The results were encouraging:
No, it’s not the strongest kick ever but within the context of its potential, “Project Walk Again” may have accomplished the single-most impressive kick in the 2014 World Cup when it’s all said and done.
One small kick for man and one giant leap for mankind.
