Restoring vision and touch with cortical microstimulation | Nature Reviews Bioengineering

The restoration of sensory function following injury or disease represents a critical challenge in neuroengineering. Sensory neuroprostheses, particularly those targeting the primary visual (V1) and somatosensory (S1) cortices, promise to bypass damaged afferent pathways and reintroduce sensory percepts through direct cortical stimulation. Building on foundational insights from non-human primate research, epicortical and intracortical microstimulation has been used to evoke artificial visual and tactile experiences in early human trials. In this Review, we examine the state of cortical sensory prostheses, focusing on visual and somatosensory applications. We compare neural encoding strategies for touch and vision, discuss the technical and clinical requirements of cortical stimulation, and evaluate the qualitative advantages of these devices over conventional assistive technologies. We also highlight emerging directions, including biomimetic encoding, multisensory integration and alternative implant sites, that could enhance the fidelity and usability of future interfaces. Together, these developments mark a critical step towards clinically viable, high-resolution restoration of naturalistic sensation. Cortical sensory prostheses aim to restore vision and touch by stimulating primary visual and somatosensory cortices. This Review examines shared challenges and principles underlying visual and somatosensory restoration, comparing encoding strategies, technical and clinical requirements, and emerging approaches that advance high-fidelity, functional percepts across both modalities.

Restoring vision and touch with cortical microstimulation | Nature Reviews Bioengineering

The restoration of sensory function following injury or disease represents a critical challenge in neuroengineering. Sensory neuroprostheses, particularly those targeting the primary visual (V1) and somatosensory (S1) cortices, promise to bypass damaged afferent pathways and reintroduce sensory percepts through direct cortical stimulation. Building on foundational insights from non-human primate research, epicortical and intracortical microstimulation has been used to evoke artificial visual and tactile experiences in early human trials. In this Review, we examine the state of cortical sensory prostheses, focusing on visual and somatosensory applications. We compare neural encoding strategies for touch and vision, discuss the technical and clinical requirements of cortical stimulation, and evaluate the qualitative advantages of these devices over conventional assistive technologies. We also highlight emerging directions, including biomimetic encoding, multisensory integration and alternative implant sites, that could enhance the fidelity and usability of future interfaces. Together, these developments mark a critical step towards clinically viable, high-resolution restoration of naturalistic sensation. Cortical sensory prostheses aim to restore vision and touch by stimulating primary visual and somatosensory cortices. This Review examines shared challenges and principles underlying visual and somatosensory restoration, comparing encoding strategies, technical and clinical requirements, and emerging approaches that advance high-fidelity, functional percepts across both modalities.

Before you continue

China has approved the world’s first invasive brain-computer chip—here’s what’s next

The country wants to become a global leader in brain implants. Strong government support is expected to help accelerate that process.

China has approved the world’s first invasive brain-computer chip—here’s what’s next

The country wants to become a global leader in brain implants. Strong government support is expected to help accelerate that process.