It wasn't just a matter of strapping on the EEG cap and taking a stroll. Prior to the attempt, Fritz underwent extensive physical rehab to strengthen his muscles and learned to control a virtual avatar using the BCI device. He also made similar movements in the lab while suspended slightly above the floor. During a conversation with Sky News, Fritz dubbed the interface a "mind walker," and said, "it's complete concentration. You have to think about every single step when you're doing it."

Despite the success, the team said there's still a lot of work to be done before patients can gain any mobility. The next step is to reduce the EEG components enough that they can be implanted in the brain, which could give patients more precise control the and the ability to "sense" pressure. Meanwhile, Fritz described the experience as "incredible," saying, "when you're first injured, you're sitting in hospital hoping you'll walk again, but when it actually happened it was a dream come true."