The Future of Human-in-the-Loop Cyber-Physical Systems
From: IEEE Computer Magazine - 01/2013 - page 36
By: Gunar Schirner, Deniz Erdogmus, and Kaushik Chowdhury, and Taskin Padir

A prototyping platform and a design framework for rapid exploration of a
novel human-in-the-loop application serves as an accelerator for new research
into a broad class of systems that augment human interaction with the
physical world. 

Read the entire article at (subscriber access required):
http://origin-www.computer.org/csdl/mags/co/2013/01/mco2013010036.pdf

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Fundamental Autonomy for Functionally Locked-In Individuals 

A human-in-the-loop cyber-physical system (HiLSPS) can offer assistive
technology that helps to restore fundamental autonomy—self-feeding and
communication—for people who are functionally locked-in due to various
neurological or physical conditions. Depending on their clinical diagnosis
and condition, these individuals might have full cognitive capabilities yet
lack the ability to execute any motor actions that can generate movement or
speech. Consequently, they rely heavily on caregivers to accomplish everyday
tasks. We are developing a HiLCPS that augments the neurophysiological
capabilities of a functionally locked-in individual to facilitate
self-feeding, communication, mobility, and digital access. As depicted in
Figure A, we intend to build a brain-computer interface (BCI)-controlled
wheelchair as a mobility platform, construct a robotic arm for self-feeding,
and establish a communication interface. In addition to restoring the ability
to meet basic needs, a HiLCPS can help to close the digital divide, making it
possible for users to access the informational and social resources that
computers offer and contributing to a sense of selffulfillment that is
essential for a productive life. 

Figure A Caption:
Restoring fundamental autonomy for functionally locked-in individuals through
a HiLCPS.