How did we get here?
Our journey began with Professor Max Ortiz Catalan’s PhD work (Towards Natural Control of Artificial Limbs) in 2014. We have grown from the Biomechatronics and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory (BNL) to the Center for Bionics and Pain Research (CBPR). We are a multidisciplinary group of surgeons, engineers, therapists, and computer scientists in a unique research center encompasing Chalmers University of Technology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the University of Gothenburg.
Timeline of scientific breakthroughs
BNL laboratory was born 2013
Professor Max Ortiz Catalan started the BNL with only 1 PhD student and modest funding but with lofty ambitions!
First transhumeral amputated user implanted, 2013
First implementation of a new concept for artificial limbs that were connected to the body’s nerves, muscles and skeleton
First clinical trial for Phantom Limb Pain, 2016
We showed that Phantom Motor Execution reduces pain in those with chronic intractable Phantom Limb Pain (PLP).
First Cybathalon competition, 2016
CBPR entered the internationally acclaimed Cybalthalon competition with the first ever neuromusculo skeletal (transhumeral) participant Uniquely he competed using the bionic arm that he uses is every day life rather than one created especially for the competition.
Embedded artificial limb controller, 2017
We released the first version of a bidirectional controller for prosthetic limbs. It processed muscle signals to control the hand and returned a signal to the body as a sensation of touch.
The Stochastic Entanglement & Phantom Motor Execution hypothesis, 2018
We proposed a novel theoretical framework for the origin and treatment of PLP.
Center for Bionics & Pain Research is established, 2020
CBPR grew from BNL into a collaborative research center and moved into Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal.
First PLP conference and CBPR Symposium, 2021
CBPR hosted the world’s first conference on PLP with internationally renowned experts.
