In a remarkable journey of resilience, Wang Ning, a Chinese man, created a mind-controlled wheelchair after facing severe health challenges. Just two days before his wedding in 2020, Wang was diagnosed with a 13 cm tumor located in the cervical part of his spinal cord. Following two surgeries, he found himself completely paralyzed and, at his worst, could only move his eyes.
Prior to his health crisis, Wang, along with his wife, operated a successful chain of children's art schools in Shenzhen. Struggling to find effective treatment options, he took matters into his own hands by diving into academic research, designing a personalized rehabilitation program, and eventually regaining the ability to walk independently by 2023.
During his recovery process, Wang also immersed himself in learning programming, electronics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence. In April, he and his wife showcased their ingenuity by building a prototype of a brain-controlled wheelchair in just 48 hours during a hackathon in Shanghai. This innovative wheelchair uses a headset to detect brainwave signals, converting them into movement commands. Although the initial version could only move straight, it won first place in the hardware category at the event. In the following three months, the couple enhanced the wheelchair's capabilities to enable turning, which they later demonstrated at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai.
Wang emphasized the purpose behind their invention, stating, "We are not creating this device as a high-tech gimmick. It is designed to provide a means for those who are unable to communicate effectively." Currently, the couple is pursuing funding to transform their prototype into a market-ready product and aims to establish a rehabilitation center featuring electrical stimulation suits and exoskeletons.
Informational material. 18+.
