U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy (R-UT) on Aug. 19 toured the Biologic Input Output Systems (BIOS) lab, part of the University of Utah’s Craig Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital, to observe research into advanced prosthetics innovation.

The tour, led by Jacob “Jake” George, director of the Utah NeuroRobotics Lab at the University of Utah and chief scientist for BIOS,  along with BIOS co-founder Tim Miller, focused on the development of a novel neural interface that allows amputees to control robotic prosthetics with their thoughts and experience life-like physical sensations. In 2022, BIOS officially licensed the technology founded at the University of Utah. Dubbed the LUKE Arm (a reference to the Star Wars character, Luke Skywalker), wearers can feel the touch of a loved one’s hand and perform high-dexterity tasks—like picking up grapes, holding an egg without breaking it, and lifting suitcases – activities that standard prosthetics make nearly impossible.

“Witnessing the groundbreaking collaboration between BIOS and the University of Utah to translate neural signals into real-world feeling and mobility for amputees is truly inspiring,” said Maloy. “This goes beyond science fiction—it places Utah at the cutting-edge of medical innovation. By restoring independence and dignity to our veterans, service members, and civilian communities, this work changes lives, and I am incredibly proud of our state’s leadership in this field.”

BioUtah and the Nucleus Institute were also in attendance. The Nucleus Institute, housed under the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, has launched a “Neurotech Catalyst” initiative to accelerate commercialization and emerging brain-computer interface technologies.

As the visit wrapped up, Rep. Maloy and the BIOS team discussed the importance of reducing regulatory red tape and promoting federal policies that will help drive entrepreneurship and forward-thinking investments.

“It was an honor to host Rep. Maloy,” said Miller.

Denise Bell, vice president at BioUtah, expressed gratitude for Maloy’s industry support, specifically highlighting her sponsorship of the Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act to fast-track Medicare access.