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The Stanford Neural Prosthetics Translational Laboratory (NPTL) conducts research aimed at providing clinically useful neural prostheses for people with paralysis. Our eventual goal is to extract signals recorded from surgically implanted brain electrodes to provide accurate, high-speed, and robust control of computer cursors and other assistive technologies such as robotic arms. Our current projects are focused on improving communication rates provided by neurally-directed computer cursor control; combining high degree-of-freedom control signals decoded from the brain with advances in robotics to control a robotic arm; and the development of wireless systems which will enable the next generation of neural prosthetic devices. We make extensive use of our close relationship with the Stanford  Neural Prosthetics Systems Laboratory (NPSL), allowing us to benefit from tools and technologies developed in NPSL's pre-clinical research.

NPTL is co-directed by Professor Jaimie Henderson, MD  and Professor Krishna Shenoy, PhD.   Professor Henderson is the John and Jene Blume - Robert and Ruth Halperin Professor in the Departments of Neurosurgery and, by courtesy, Neurology and Neurological Sciences, in the School of Medicine.   Professor Shenoy is the Hong Seh and Vivian W. M. Lim Professor of Engineering in the Departments of Electrical Engineering and, by courtesy, Bioengineering and Neurobiology, in the School of Engineering and School of Medicine.  Professor Shenoy is also an investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.   Both co-directors are also with the Stanford Neurosciences Institute, the Bio-X Program and the Neurosciences Graduate Program.