Monkeys Control a Robot Arm With Their Thoughts

Chaz19 · 05-28-2008, 09:42 PM

"Two monkeys with tiny sensors in their brains have learned to control a mechanical arm with just their thoughts, using it to reach for and grab food and even to adjust for the size and stickiness of morsels when necessary, scientists reported on Wednesday."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/29/sc...hp&oref=slogin

Funny when science fiction vignettes are no longer fiction. Some of the questions that ran through my mind after reading were:

Could this technology be used in conjunction with exoskeletons?
Do these scientists compete for research money with stem cell researchers?
Does brainwave technology assist the understanding of cellular regeneration and neuro-cognition?
Could biofeedback in conjunction with this new technology provide actual nerve regeneration?
When will I see a cyborg walking down the street or raiding a convenience store?

Lazlo · 05-28-2008, 10:06 PM

My guesses:

Could this technology be used in conjunction with exoskeletons?

Definitely. We're very close to seeing this type of technology on a mass-market scale. It will start with, of all things, brainwave-driven videogame controllers (some of which already exist), and will spread to affordable controllers for other machines like wheelchairs and power-assisted limbs.

Do these scientists compete for research money with stem cell researchers?

No, since stem cells have many uses beyond improving motor function in nerve-damaged people.

Does brainwave technology assist the understanding of cellular regeneration and neuro-cognition?

Cellular regeneration? Not sure I follow there. But it seems like it would help understand the workings of the mind and how it can be trained to issue commands to external devices.

Could biofeedback in conjunction with this new technology provide actual nerve regeneration?

I don't see how, aside from maybe helping strengthen existing, undamaged nerve pathways.

When will I see a cyborg walking down the street or raiding a convenience store?

That would be frickin' sweet, man!

Buck503 · 05-28-2008, 11:01 PM

Now they have a third arm to help them fling their own shit.

05-28-2008, 09:42 PM	#1
Chaz19 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: boston area Posts: 1,249	Monkeys Control a Robot Arm With Their Thoughts "Two monkeys with tiny sensors in their brains have learned to control a mechanical arm with just their thoughts, using it to reach for and grab food and even to adjust for the size and stickiness of morsels when necessary, scientists reported on Wednesday." http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/29/sc...hp&oref=slogin Funny when science fiction vignettes are no longer fiction. Some of the questions that ran through my mind after reading were: Could this technology be used in conjunction with exoskeletons? Do these scientists compete for research money with stem cell researchers? Does brainwave technology assist the understanding of cellular regeneration and neuro-cognition? Could biofeedback in conjunction with this new technology provide actual nerve regeneration? When will I see a cyborg walking down the street or raiding a convenience store?

05-28-2008, 11:01 PM	#3
Buck503 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: PNW Posts: 6,292	Now they have a third arm to help them fling their own shit. Last edited by Buck503; 05-28-2008 at 11:07 PM.

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05-28-2008, 10:06 PM	#2
Lazlo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,901	My guesses: Could this technology be used in conjunction with exoskeletons? Definitely. We're very close to seeing this type of technology on a mass-market scale. It will start with, of all things, brainwave-driven videogame controllers (some of which already exist), and will spread to affordable controllers for other machines like wheelchairs and power-assisted limbs. Do these scientists compete for research money with stem cell researchers? No, since stem cells have many uses beyond improving motor function in nerve-damaged people. Does brainwave technology assist the understanding of cellular regeneration and neuro-cognition? Cellular regeneration? Not sure I follow there. But it seems like it would help understand the workings of the mind and how it can be trained to issue commands to external devices. Could biofeedback in conjunction with this new technology provide actual nerve regeneration? I don't see how, aside from maybe helping strengthen existing, undamaged nerve pathways. When will I see a cyborg walking down the street or raiding a convenience store? That would be frickin' sweet, man!