Gilad Schrift

Sagol School of Neuroscience , Tel Aviv University

PI: Prof. Nitzan Censor

Learning to control a virtual third arm via direct brain activity

Project description

Motor augmentation is transformative field in neuroscience and robotics, enabling humans to extend their physical capabilities beyond natural anatomical limits. A key innovation in this field is the integration of supernumerary effectors (SEs), such as a third arm or an additional finger. Traditionally, SE control relies on repurposing existing motor effectors, which can lead to competition for neural resources. In contrast, direct brain control offers an alternative, expanding the motor repertoire without reallocating existing functions.

This project integrates EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) learning methods to achieve direct motor imagery control of a third arm, bypassing conventional reliance on existing motor pathways. By utilizing immersive virtual reality environments, we promote a robust sense of ownership and embodiment while enabling flexible training scenarios. This approach may uncover novel neural mechanisms in motor learning, potentially indicating how the brain reorganizes to accommodate a new, artificial limb.

About me

Gilad Schrift completed his B.A. in Cognitive Sciences and Psychology at Ben-Gurion University in 2019 and his M.Sc. in Clinical Neuroscience at Tel Aviv University in 2021. His research focuses on the neural mechanisms of learning and memory, with a particular interest in brain-computer interfaces and motor augmentation.

In his PhD, Gilad explores virtual reality as a tool for studying and modulating memory, learning, and motor control. By integrating virtual reality into cognitive neuroscience research, his work aims to uncover the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive and motor processes, with implications for human-machine interaction, neurorehabilitation, and augmentation technologies.