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Monkey Mind-Control Evolves With Elaborate New Robotic Arm

by Warren Riddle on June 4, 2010 at 07:25 AM

Monkey Mind Control
In 2008, a team of scientists from the University of Pittsburgh demonstrated technology which effectively allowed a monkey to control a robotic arm with its brain. The researchers, directed by Dr. Andrew Schwartz, implanted microelectrodes into the simian's noggin that enabled the primate to manipulate a mechanical system composed of a "hand," an arm, an elbow and a shoulder joint. At the time, the scientists next hoped to augment the robotics with a complex wrist and jointed fingers in order to expand the degrees-of-freedom from four to seven.

Apparently, after two years, the group has dramatically and impressively accomplished that lofty goal. The scientists implanted microelectrodes in both the monkey's brain and hand, and -- through repetition and motivational training -- taught it to steer the complex arm and grasp a randomly positioned black box solely through mind control. Scientists from various institutions, including Duke University, the University of Washington in Seattle and Osaka University all continue to investigate thought-controlled artificial limbs, but, according to iEEE Spectrum, this bolstered system likely represents "an unprecedented degree of complexity."

The humble Dr. Schwartz reportedly remains reticent despite his team's praiseworthy success, but the group should publish specific details soon. While other group's similarly noble pursuits certainly remain impressive, including Toyota's development of a mind-controlled wheelchair, perhaps Dr. Schwartz and his team can make them all obsolete in another two years... or teach Fido to express his thoughts. [From: io9 and iEEE Spectrum]

Tags: artificial limb, artificial limbs, ArtificialLimb, ArtificialLimbs, mind control, mind control wheelchair, MindControl, MindControlWheelchair, monkey, robot, robotic arm, robotic hand, RoboticArm, RoboticHand, robotics, top

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