Thursday, April 17, 2008

Want to be a Cyborg? Just need a few more holes in your Head!


I am really split about this...on one hand the thought of invasive brain surgery aimed at true cybernetics is a bit on the creepy side. The other side, given the stated aims of helping severely handicapped individuals move is certainly noble. So, read and make up your own minds.

Researchers at Osaka University are stepping up efforts to develop robotic body parts controlled by thought, by placing electrode sheets directly on the surface of the brain. The aim of the research is to develop real-time mind-controlled robotic limbs for the disabled. To date, the researchers have worked with four test subjects to record brain wave activity generated as they move their arms, elbows and fingers. Working with Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR), the researchers have developed a method for analyzing the brain waves to determine the subject’s intended activity to an accuracy of greater than 80%. The next step is to use the data to control robot arms developed by the University of Tokyo’s Department of Precision Engineering.

{via Pink Tentacle}

No comments: