Avi Mendelsohn

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About

Avi Mendelsohn is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience and robotics, best known for his groundbreaking work in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neurofeedback. His key research areas include real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI), motor imagery, and robotic embodiment—exploring how the human brain can directly control machines through thought alone. Mendelsohn’s major contribution is the development of the first fMRI-based robotic embodiment system, where he demonstrated that a humanoid robot could be controlled in real-time by decoding a subject’s motor intentions from brain activity. His seminal 2012 pilot study (35 citations) and its 2014 follow-up (26 citations) established a novel paradigm for non-invasive BCI, showing that fMRI could serve as an “input device” to translate neural signals into robotic actions. This work has significant implications for assistive technology and neurorehabilitation, offering new pathways for paralyzed individuals to interact with their environment. Mendelsohn’s achievements have been recognized for their interdisciplinary innovation, bridging neuroimaging and robotics to push the boundaries of human-machine interaction.