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By harnessing brain signals and intelligent data processing, a new research project aims to revolutionize technologies for patients with paralysis in the arm and hand after a stroke. With an investment of almost 24 million kroner from Innovation Fund Denmark, the NeuroMate project bridges neuroscience and engineering to restore functional independence and improve the quality of life for people affected by stroke.

Every year, millions of people worldwide experience a stroke – around 12,000 in Denmark alone. A frequent consequence is reduced control over arm and hand function on one side of the body.

A new research project called NeuroMate will increase the quality of life for these patients by developing intelligent solutions that enable patients to control assistive technology solely with their thoughts – without the need for gestures, buttons or speech.

NeuroMate's technology has the potential to increase patient autonomy, reduce the need for assistance, and open new avenues in healthcare technology innovation.

- NeuroMate is not just about technology – it is about restoring dignity and independence, says Hooman Farkhani, project manager and associate professor at Aarhus University.

- With support from Innovation Fund Denmark, we are combining neuroscience, engineering, machine learning and clinical research to create a new generation of assistive systems that adapt to the user – not the other way around. This project places Denmark at the forefront of neuro-adaptive technologies with the potential to impact the field of assistive technology globally.

The investment from Innovation Fund Denmark enables the NeuroMate consortium to conduct ambitious, interdisciplinary research that would not otherwise be possible. This includes the development of algorithms for decoding brain signals, energy-efficient hardware, and testing in real-world environments.

The project aims to deliver both scientific breakthroughs and functional prototypes that can pave the way for clinical trials and commercial innovation.

The NeuroMate project brings together leading Danish institutions and companies with complementary expertise, including Aarhus University (CMOS hardware and SNN design), Aalborg University (SNN algorithms), AATE VR (training environments), Alexandra Institute (computer vision), Danish Technological Institute (EEG headband and glove), Medodan (clinical certification) and Regional Hospital Hammel Neurocenter (clinical testing). Together, the partners are working to develop an adaptive, user-controlled assistive system for arm and hand function.

Facts

• Innovation Fund's investment: DKK 23.88 million.
• Total budget: DKK 32.94 million.
• Duration: 4 years
• Official title: NeuroMate: A take-home closed-loop bio-inspired neurorehabilitation system assisted by extended reality for therapy and assistance