Researchers have harnessed the power of thought to guide a remote-control helicopter through an obstacle course. The demonstration joins a growing number of attempts to translate the electrical patterns of thoughts into motions in the virtual and real world.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22764978 Those thoughts, such as that of making a fist with the left hand, are then correlated with motions of the helicopter – in this case to the left. The electroencephalograph remains a chaotic and largely indecipherable mess of electrical signals, but those related to motion – or the mere thought of it – have proven to be comparatively strong and repeatable. Even technology firms see potential in the idea; Samsung is reportedly working on a “mind-control” tablet device.
When researchers can access the brain directly – with probes or implants – they can focus on more precise areas of brain activity, at the source. “The brain-computer interface technology may ultimately not only help disabled patients but may also help the healthy population… not to restore loss of function but to enhance function beyond what we can accomplish.”
The new study breaks ground in the autonomous control of a free-moving robot, one of a number of efforts in this direction. Even control of a household robot could become possible.
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