Scientists in Australia have developed a "bionic spine" which could enable people with spinal cord injuries to walk again by controlling a tiny paper clip-sized device implanted in the brain. 

The device, to be implanted in three paraplegic patients in Melbourne next year, allows patients left paralysed by injury or illness to subconsciously control equipment that can move robotic limbs. 

"It's the holy grail for research in bionics," Professor Terence O'Brien, from the Royal Melbourne Hospital, told Fairfax Media.

The procedure, developed by a team of 39 scientists, involves placing a one-inch stent alongside the brain's motor cortex, which controls movement.