---
title: "Turning Thoughts into Steps: Paralyzed Man Walks Again with AI Using the Power of Mind"
description: The human mind is a marvel of nature, an unfathomable expanse of thoughts, ideas, and potential that holds the power to alter realities and transcend limits. Every innovation, every breakthrough, every leap towards a better future originates in the realm of thought, underlining the profound power of the mind. We are told that there are [&hellip;]
author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief)
date: 2023-05-26T06:56:26.000Z
updated: 2026-02-26T15:48:10.316Z
canonical: https://richwoman.co/article/turning-thoughts-into-steps-paralyzed-man-walks-again-with-ai-using-the-power-of-mind
image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/1tldin8hezy.jpg
categories: Inspiration
content_type: Spotlight
region: Netherlands
publication: Rich Woman Magazine
---

The human [mind](https://richwoman.co/article/a-garden-for-the-mind-planting-seeds-of-serenity-for-mental-health) is a marvel of nature, an unfathomable expanse of thoughts, ideas, and potential that holds the power to alter realities and transcend limits. Every innovation, every breakthrough, every leap towards a better future originates in the realm of thought, underlining the profound [power of the mind.](https://richwoman.co/article/your-mind-matters-to-be-or-not-to-be-mentally-fit-that-is-the-choice) We are told that there are people who made history but I believe that your story makes history.

Imagine the joy of taking the first steps after you were told that you will never walk again. It sounds like fiction but this is the real story of Gert-Jan Oskam, 40 from the Netherlands, the first-ever AI test pilot that enabled him to to walk after an accident which left him paralysed. Developed by a team of dedicated scientists, the AI system decodes neural signals from Gert-Jan Oskam’s brain, enabling him to control his legs and walk again. This ground-breaking innovation is bringing science fiction into [reality](https://richwoman.co/article/jose-micard-teixeira-learning-to-resonate-with-the-freedom-to-create-your-own-reality), offering hope for millions worldwide.

Gert-Jan Oskam’s story inspires us all to look within, to harness the incredible [power of our minds](https://richwoman.co/article/from-cave-walls-to-cyber-walls-beyond-the-power-of-mind-story-and-neuroplasticity), and to realize that with courage, perseverance, and the right tools, we can reimagine the boundaries of what is possible.

In a world where an estimated 15 million people suffer a stroke each year, and as many as 500,000 individuals face spinal cord injuries, the [power of the mind to overcome](https://richwoman.co/article/michelle-jewsbury-harnessing-the-power-to-overcome-past-trauma-and-take-back-your-life) seemingly insurmountable challenges is often tested. It’s in these moments of adversity that we become aware of resilience and the power of human thought. And now, we’re also witnessing the awe-inspiring potential of technology to further magnify this power.

The story of  Gert-Jan Oskam is the result of the human mind and (AI) tapping directly into the power of his thoughts. By bridging the gap between his brain and legs, this system is giving a whole new meaning to ‘mind over matter’. In a press conference, he said that he was able to walk from the first attempt and it happened within minutes from switching the system on. “I only have to think about stepping,” he said. “For 12 years I’ve been trying to get back on my feet and now I’ve learnt how to walk again.”

Human thought is an incredible force. [Neuroscientists](https://richwoman.co/article/the-power-of-non-attachment-unlocking-the-neuroscience-of-detachment) demonstrate that these thoughts shape our actions, our identities, and now, as seen in Gert-Jan Oskam’s case, they have the power to redefine our physical capabilities.

At the heart of this medical breakthrough is the AI system that wirelessly connects the brain and legs of a man who was paralysed for 12 years and never expected to walk again. Technology acts as a digital bridge, decoding the intentions of movement from neural signals in the [brain](https://richwoman.co/article/the-colours-on-brain-painting-a-positive-mindset-to-nurture-mental-health) and translating them into motor responses. The ability of the AI to interpret these signals is what enables Gert-Jan Oskam to regain control over his legs.

*“The AI, in essence, acts as an interpreter between my brain and my legs. It’s as if it understands what I want to do, and then tells my legs to do it,”*  Gert-Jan Oskam shared.

### *The first step *into the unknown- accepting the power of human mind

The moment Gert-Jan Oskam took his first step, history was made. Never before had such a powerful interface between human thought and artificial intelligence could demonstrate the [resilience](https://richwoman.co/article/be-like-water-the-flowing-symbol-of-resilience-and-change) of the human spirit and the power of [creativity](https://richwoman.co/article/the-power-of-inspiration-unlocking-the-human-potential-through-imagination-038-creativity) and innovation.

Gert-Jan Oskam tells us: *“Each step forward feels like a stride for all those people out there who are in the same position as I was. It gives me a sense of responsibility, and a new purpose.”*

The impact of this development extends far beyond the story of a single individual. This pioneering AI system has the potential to revolutionize how we understand and treat paralysis, and potentially other neurological disorders, impacting millions of lives for generations to come.

The technology gives us the [hope ](https://richwoman.co/article/backed-by-science-unlock-the-power-of-hope-and-resilience-to-trade-adversity-for-triumph)we need to reimagine our life choices and the quality of life for people who are immobilized due to spinal cord injuries, strokes, or neurodegenerative diseases. The possibilities are vast and reach well beyond medical treatment into realms of enhanced human abilities.

### *What is the next step for humanity and the challenges ahead*

While the breakthrough is undeniably momentous, it’s important to remember that we are at the infancy of this technology. There are still many [challenges ](https://richwoman.co/article/we-are-all-facing-unique-challenges-it-is-time-we-support-one-another)to overcome. Researchers will need to refine the system, making it more precise, reliable, and affordable before it can become accessible to a wider audience.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of this AI system are scientific facts that we can no longer ignore. As Gert-Jan Oskam steps into a new chapter of his life, he steps into a world where the impossible becomes possible.

*“I’ve taken the first step, but this is just the beginning,”* he affirms. *“There are so many possibilities, and I’m excited to be part of this journey.”*

### *Harnessing the power of the mind*

The limitless potential of human thought is now challenging our understanding of what is possible, even when faced with the unthinkable. It is the remarkable story of a man, once bound to a wheelchair due to paralysis, who is now taking strides forward, quite literally. His journey brings a light not only on his dark hour but on the incredible capacity of the human mind to reshape life and overcome insurmountable obstacles.

We produce an estimated 70,000 thoughts per day. Each thought carries the seed of possibility, of [change](https://richwoman.co/article/lifestyle-changes-taking-a-new-step-to-rediscover-youth-as-you-age), of transformation. The mind, in its infinite capacity, processes these thoughts, fueling our actions, [our dreams](https://richwoman.co/article/dream-big-brake-the-chains-of-the-nocebo-effect-to-course-correct-your-destiny), and our identities. It’s this extraordinary ability of the human mind that has, in Gert-Jan Oskam’s case, changed the course of his life, helping him stand tall and walk again.

His story is not a tale of personal triumph. It’s proof to the resilient human spirit and the transformative power of artificial intelligence which overcame the physical constraints of a debilitating condition. This [story is inspiring us all to take a bold step into a future where the power](https://richwoman.co/article/dr-nguyen-thi-thu-huong-the-power-of-rewriting-your-story-and-re-imagining-your-life) of thought isn’t just a philosophical concept, but a tool for tangible, life-altering change.

I hope Gert-Jan Oskam’s story inspire us all to look within, to harness the incredible power of our minds, and to realize that with courage, [self-discipline](https://richwoman.co/article/self-discipline-makeover-the-master-key-to-unlock-your-potential), and the right tools, we can reimagine the boundaries of what is possible.

Gert-Jan Oskam’s triumphant first steps mark the dawn of a new era in medical technology. His [experience](https://richwoman.co/article/amalfi-coast-an-unforgettable-experience-beyond-breath-taking-views) brings home the limitless potential of AI when applied in unison with human resilience and scientific research. This is a powerful reminder that the future is ours to shape. As we forge ahead, we hold on to the awe-inspiring image of a man who was once paralyzed, now walking.

Initially reported by [The Times](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/paralysed-man-walks-again-as-ai-reads-his-thoughts-wj9fdzjdp), this is a game-changing fusion of neuroscience and AI, revolutionizing the way we perceive and approach paralysis, and marking a major step forward in medical technology. It demonstrates the power of your mind, AI and neuroscience, breaking through what was once seen as an insurmountable barrier.

Do you want to [share your story and inspire our readers ](https://go.richwoman.co/?_ga=2.242641282.140455566.1684994572-1676812734.1669822040)? Know that [every story is paving the way for a brighter, happier future.](https://richwoman.co/contact-us/)
