Robert Gaunt is in the field of biomedical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation focusing on sensory neuroprosthetics. His research aims to assist patients who suffer from afflictions that range from amputations to bladder control. He recognizes the challenges the development of neuroprosthetics faces and urges that more funding and research be put into solving these dilemmas. Gaunt makes clear the importance of group collaboration in the field of neuroprosthetics in order to ensure the progression of the field.

Top Three Takeaways:

1. The goal of his work is to make usable sensory prosthetics for people that need them in a reasonable time period.

1. There are a number of technical issue in neuroprosthetics; delivering commercial quality systems that pass regulations needs funding.

1. Patients often dedicate the most to any clinical trial by offering most of their time.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Gaunt describes the panel from the conference meant to describe patient perspectives on clinical trials.

[2:00] Gaunt makes clear that the patients have dedicated very much of their time to the trials.

[2:50] Gaunt introduces himself formerly and describes how he is from the University of Pittsburgh.

[4:10] Gaunt describes his work with the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Alberta on brain/bladder control.

[6:00] Gaunt describes how the bladder control is a highly sensory function.

[7:50] It is explained how fully implantable wireless system would be a very strong stride for neurotechnology.

[9:40] Usable prosthetic arms can benefit people in doing everyday tasks.

[11:00] Gaunt explains how there are a number of technical challenges in the neuroprosthetic field—delivering commercial quality systems that pass regulations needs funding.

[12:00] Gaunt goes into detail on projects for amputees and control for their prosthetics.

[14:00] Anyone interested in the field of neuroprosthetics should love it and find a problem they wish to solve.

[17:40] People wishing to start a business in this field must have a good business plan and funding.

[19:00] Gaunt points out how collaboration and team science is very important for innovation.