Human 2.0
New technology is enabling us to go beyond our biological limitations. Find out how, with your help, Bath is transforming lives.
A motorbike accident left Owen Collumb paralysed from the chest down. 20 years later, he’s won an international athletics competition, Cybathlon, using neurotechnology developed at Bath. It’s opened new horizons of possibility for Owen. “I was a keen sportsman before my injury,” he says. “[The research] has had a major impact on my life and wellbeing.”
To compete in virtual races, Owen wears a headset that measures brain activity in the motor cortex – the area of the brain that coordinates movement. Using sophisticated signal processing strategies developed by Professor Damien Coyle, these are translated into control signals that enable the wearer to interact with a computer using only their minds.
“There are so many applications for this technology,” says Damien. “In our ongoing trials it’s been shown to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and help people with their rehabilitation after a stroke.”
Moreover, for those with locked-in syndrome, a condition where individuals are conscious but unable to move, it’s hoped this could provide a basic communication channel and eventually enable them to autonomously steer a wheelchair, control a robotic manipulator or use a smartphone.
Complete paralysis after a brain injury can make it difficult to determine if the person is consciously aware, but brain-computer interfaces can help.
“We ask them to imagine movements while wearing the headset,” he explains. “We can then read the signals to detect levels of consciousness, which current clinical tests can’t do. We carry out several sessions to train the person to get better at using the tech, with a view to enabling them to communicate without movement.”
This is just one of the incredible innovations being developed in our Bath Institute for the Augmented Human (IAH), of which Damien is the Director. The IAH combines disciplines – from robotics, engineering and computer science, to health, neuroscience and psychology – to enhance the physical and cognitive abilities of individuals. They take a holistic approach that considers the technological, ethical, societal and regulatory aspects of human augmentation.
It’s a field that excites alumnus and entrepreneur Nick Hynes. After graduating with an Executive MBA from our School of Management, Nick founded numerous digital ventures. He’s generously gifted over £109,000 to establish the Hynes PhD Research with Impact Scholarship to support a postgraduate student to complete a PhD over four years within the IAH.
“My Bath experience helped me to achieve a successful career and I see it as my duty and honour to enable others to reach their potential and focus on original research in an area of immense impact.”
Other researchers within the Institute have also benefitted from philanthropic support, such as Dr Benjamin Metcalfe, who applies his engineering expertise to healthcare. Benjamin was the first in his family to go to university, thanks to scholarships supported by alumni.
“I’m now leading one the UK’s top electronic and electrical engineering departments, as well as Deputy Director of the IAH,” he says. “None of that would have been possible without the seed investment that the sponsors provided me with. The IAH is pioneering, and it demonstrates Bath’s commitment to excellence and impact.”
This new PhD scholarship will enable more bright minds like Ben to thrive at Bath.
Nick adds: “Through my donation and support, I will assist someone to realise their potential and help push the limits of science in this life-changing research.”
Dr Benjamin Metcalfe, Head of Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, discusses the impact of his scholarships funding
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