Nikolya Cadavid poses with his AI-powered prosthetic hand prototype designed by his startup, Morph Labs. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)
In a positive development for assistive technology and medical engineering, Nikolya Cadavid, an undergraduate mechanical engineering student at Florida State University and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, has developed a brain-controlled prosthetic system that significantly advances the functionality of artificial limbs through neural integration.
Cadavid, founder of startup Morph Labs, has engineered a highly dexterous prosthetic hand that utilizes a sophisticated brain-computer interface (BCI) to interpret neural activity from the motor cortex via electroencephalography (EEG). This innovative neural prosthetic solution enables intuitive, thought-controlled operation that closely replicates natural human movement patterns.
Neural Interface Technology Creates Intuitive User Experience
“Picture this: a robotic hand that perfectly mirrors your intentions,” Cadavid explains. “It’s as simple as thinking about grasping an object without the need for complicated movements. The prosthetic responds instantly, guided by brain activity.”
The advanced neural mechanisms underlying this system facilitate seamless integration between user intention and mechanical response. “The motor cortex in the brain is responsible for muscle activation and movement,” the researcher elaborates. “For example, when you reach for a pencil with your right hand, the neural network processes the information. The BCI technology translates signals from the motor cortex into precise movements of the prosthetic hand that align with your intentions.”
Non-Invasive EEG Approach Overcomes Traditional Prosthetic Limitations
This technology represents a significant advancement beyond conventional prosthetic control systems, which predominantly rely on electromyography (EMG), which has inherent functional constraints and limited muscle group access.
“Our technology uses EEG and provides a non-invasive approach that eliminates the need for surgery and significantly reduces the costs and avoids the risks associated with implants,” Cadavid explains. “EEG gives the user precise finger movement control. By tapping into natural brain patterns with our specially trained neural network, Morph Labs provides a more intuitive and functional prosthetic solution, enabling users to engage in everyday activities easily.”
The research directly addresses a critical gap in assistive technology development. After a comprehensive market analysis, Cadavid identified that prosthetic abandonment rates reach 44% due to functionality and comfort limitations, highlighting the substantial need for innovation in this field.
Research Inspiration and Market Analysis
Cadavid’s engineering passion originated at an early age after exposure to fictional technology representations and later evolved through engagement with pioneering robotics companies.
“I decided early on that I wanted to contribute to this exciting field and embarked on a journey to design a robotic hand with better functionality,” Cadavid shares. “After six months of research, I identified a critical gap: prosthetic hand development had stagnated for the last 15 years. Despite advancement, research indicated that 44% of users abandon their prosthetics due to functionality or discomfort. I wanted to develop a viable solution for those in need.”
Entrepreneurial Recognition and Development Pathway
The innovative potential of Cadavid’s neural prosthetic technology has garnered substantial recognition through multiple competitive grant programs, securing over $10,000 in developmental funding through:
- The Jim Moran Microgrant competition ($5,000)
- University of South Florida Daveler Competition ($3,000)
- EFEST development grant from the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship ($2,500)
This funding supports ongoing neural network refinement and hardware enhancements. “We are currently enrolled in eight competitions for startups and are using some of the money we have already received to order some next-generation bio amplifiers for our EEG data collection system,” Cadavid notes. “We are working to improve our neural network and plan on fundraising, product refinement, FDA clearance and going to market in the future.”
Interdisciplinary Collaboration Framework
The project benefits from cross-disciplinary expertise through collaborations with Justin Riddle, an assistant professor in FSU’s psychology department. Engineering guidance from faculty members Christian Hubicki and Shayne McConomy at the joint FAMU-FSU College of Engineering complements this.
Professor Hubicki, a robotics specialist, recognizes the innovative potential of this undergraduate-led research: “Nikolya is a prime example of a driven, creative and industrious student. As faculty, we are always happy to see students taking on ambitious projects with grand aims like this.”
Cadavid intends to advance his academic credentials through graduate studies in mechanical engineering with a specialization in mechatronics and robotics, maintaining his focus on neural prosthetic technology refinement and integration.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited with a custom prompt for Claude 3.7 Sonnet, an AI assistant created by Anthropic. The AI improved clarity, structure and readability while preserving the original reporting and factual content. All information and viewpoints remain those of the author and publication. This disclosure is part of our commitment to transparency in our editorial process. Last edited: 6 Mar 2025
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