Friday, May 30, 2008
Monkey Controls, Moves Artificial Arm With Thoughts
A fascinating development in the world of neuro science has been reported by the journal Nature.
Tiny sensors were placed in two monkeys' brain to monitor the thought and action relationship. With their thoughts they controlled a mechanical arm and were able to reach for and grab food.
Dr. John P. Donoghue, director of the Institute of Brain Science at Brown University, said the new report was “important because it’s the most comprehensive study showing how an animal interacts with complex objects, using only brain activity.”
A computer or a robot is programmed to perform a task. But it cannot anticipate unnatural happenings. In this case the monkeys were able to manipulate the prosthetic arm to hold the marshmallow in place. It was also able to lick at the food particles that were sticking on to the arm. This shows that it is possible to control a device with intimate,subtle suggestions or thoughts.
Implantable electrode grids do not generally last more than a period of months, for reasons that remain unclear. Like this there are a few hurdles to be overcome before this technology becomes practically viable.
Yet, the findings suggest that brain-controlled prosthetics, while not practical, are at least technically within reach.
Source - NyTimes
Tiny sensors were placed in two monkeys' brain to monitor the thought and action relationship. With their thoughts they controlled a mechanical arm and were able to reach for and grab food.
Dr. John P. Donoghue, director of the Institute of Brain Science at Brown University, said the new report was “important because it’s the most comprehensive study showing how an animal interacts with complex objects, using only brain activity.”
A computer or a robot is programmed to perform a task. But it cannot anticipate unnatural happenings. In this case the monkeys were able to manipulate the prosthetic arm to hold the marshmallow in place. It was also able to lick at the food particles that were sticking on to the arm. This shows that it is possible to control a device with intimate,subtle suggestions or thoughts.
Implantable electrode grids do not generally last more than a period of months, for reasons that remain unclear. Like this there are a few hurdles to be overcome before this technology becomes practically viable.
Yet, the findings suggest that brain-controlled prosthetics, while not practical, are at least technically within reach.
Source - NyTimes
Labels: Robotics
PermaLink - Monkey Controls, Moves Artificial Arm With Thoughts posted by Vanessa : 2:09 AM
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