Projects

• １）Automatic detection of epileptic activities by AI

  Neuromagnetic recording system: magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a clinical testing device indispensable for presurgical evaluation of epilepsy surgery. MEG is useful to evaluate epileptic foci and motor, sensory and language functions with higher spatiotemporal resolution compared to electroencephalography (EEG). However, presently its analyses are not only time-consuming but also considerable experience.
  　In this project, we establish automatic analysis methods of neuromagnetic epileptic activities using artificial intelligence to minimize time and efforts required for the analyses. 

  

   

   

• ２）Research and development of implantable wireless BMIs

  　Brain-machine interfaces (BMI) enable disabled people to manipulate assistive communication devices and robotic arms as they intend by decoding brain activities using artificial intelligence (AI). BMIs are promising technologies that restore functions disturbed by various neurological diseases. We have established a BMI system that enables disabled people to manipulate assistive communication devices and robotic arms by decoding intracranical EEGs. Now we are developing an fully-implantable wireless EEG device aiming at medical approval and final clinical application of the implantable BMI system.
  　As well as the clinical application, we develop advanced technologies for future implantable BMIs

  

   

• ３） Research and development of neural informatics, modulation and restoration related to 1) and 2)

  Ongoing projects are as follows.

• 1. The commissioned Research by NICT: Research and Development of Core Technologies for the Realization of Next-Generation BMI Systems

   

  Principle investigator: Masayuki Hirata

   

  This research is focused on the development of multiple high-density recording methods, implantable functional electrical stimulation, large and high speed dependable wireless data transfer and its international standardization toward next-generation BMI systems. We collaborate with the YRP International Collaboration Research Institute.

   

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• 2. Moonshot Project Goal 1: Realization of a society in which human beings can be free from limitations of body, brain, space, and time

   

  Project Manager: Hiroshi Ishiguro
  Task Leader: Masayuki Hirata
  

   

  We aim to realize technology that can operate avatars as desired with BMI by optimally controlling BMI with excellent voluntariness and avatars with excellent autonomy in a complementary and harmonious manner.

   

  

• 3. KAKENHI KIBAN (A): Fully implantable Functional Reconstruction by Brain-Machine Interface-Driven Functional Electrical Stimulation

   

  Principal Investigator: Masayuki Hirata
  

   

  We develop a fully implantable system for motor reconstruction that drives skeletal muscles directly with implanted functional electrical stimulation (FES) based on neural decoding obtained with implanted BMI and controls paralyzed limbs using an originally designed method of implanted FES. This research will contribute to the realization of the ultimate motor function reconstruction that allows physically disabled people to move their own paralyzed limbs again as desired.

   

• 4. AMED Medical-Engineering Collaboration Project for Promoting Innovative Medical Devices: Development of Implantable Wireless Brain-Machine Interface System

   

  Project Representative: Jin Nakamura

  Institutional Representative: Masayuki Hirata

   

  This is a project aimed at commercializing implantable BMI devices, with JiMED, a start-up company founded by Masayuki Hirata et al.

   

   

• 5. JSPS Special Researcher Encouragement Fund

   

  Principal Investigator: Masayuki Hirata

   

  This is a research project to invite a distinguished researcher from overseas to carry out KAKENHI KIBAN (A).

   

   

• Previous Projects

  ・Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research * (KAKENHI) (C) :
  A new approach for reconstructing swallowing function using a brain-machine interface and non-invasive electrical brain stimulation 2019-2022
  ・Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research * (KAKENHI) (A) :
  Brain machine interfaces to restore swallowing function 2018-2020
  ・Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research * (Young Scientists) :
  Analysis of neural oscillations involved in human swallowing and decoding of swallowing-related neural activities 2018-2020
  ・National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) :
  Development and application of an implantable device for brain-machine interfaces using high-speed wireless data transfer and big data analyses of neural information 2015-2019
  ・Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications ‘Development of next generation artificial intelligence granted’：
  Research and Development of the next generation AI Brain type cognitive classification technology inspired by the human brain cognitive mechanism 2017-2019
  ・AMED ** ‘Brain Mapping by Integrated Neurotechnologies for Disease Studies’：
  Measurement of the body buried embedded integrated circuits built-in flexible ultra thin film sensor sheet using marmosets brain signal measurement system 2014-2018

  ・Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research * (KAKENHI) (B) :
  Restoration of Swallowing Function based on Brain Machine Interfaces 2014-2016

  ・AMED ** ‘Strategic Research Program for Brain Sciences’ :
  BMI-based Restoration of Motor and Communication Control 2013-2017

   

  * the grant from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
  ** AMED：Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development