By focusing their attention on patterns created by flickering lights on a PC screen, which are associated with specific actions, users can control which actions they want a robot to perform, where the robot moves, and how it interacts with its environment. (Source: CNRS-AIST Joint Robotics Laboratory)
Great article, Ann. When you did your first article on thought-controlled robots, my first impression is that this technology could be used by those who need to control robotic arms and legs.
That's right, Rob, paraplegics and quadriplegics (tetraplegics) are one target group for this technology, for actual physical robotic embodiment a la Avatar. Under the VERE project aegis, the other target group consists of rehab training for people temporarily confined to a bed or wheelchair.
The algorithms are far simpler than you think because you have a "man-in-the-loop" who can unconciously compensate for fairly large errors. For example, given 2 systems which react with a 30 degree difference in angular movement for the same input - well with one you'll just push a little harder until you get the desired result. You wouldn't even notice it. With fully automated autonomous systems, output must match input exactly or there will be trouble.
Thanks, Battar. What you say makes sense. I still have to admit, though, I find it stunning that a software algorithm can read the electrical activities of the brain and translate it into anything.
Chuck, I wish we had more info on the project's engineering details, which are still under development. Considering how much work has already been done aimed at similar goals, such as various methods of motion capture, I suspect it won't take all that long to write the algorithms. Battar, thanks for the response on this subject, too. FWIW, Fujitsu started working on turning the electrical impulses from a person's thoughts into electronically controlled actions back in the late 80s to early 90s.
Yes, if paraplegics and quadriplegics could benefit from this technology, that would indeed be wonderful. I wonder if the other groups like the elderly could also benefit? (Or would the technology learning curve be a little too steep?)
Greg, the elderly could certainly benefit if they're among either target group, such as people confined to bed or wheelchairs. Since the technology is still being developed, most of the current learning curve is occurring among experimenters as they learn what thoughts produce what actions. Ideally, there won't be much for users.
This technology could take prosthetics to a new level for users. While it may be awkward now, I would guess this technology will be refined in coming years.
I was just reading this article in Wired ( the real paper magazine, which I prefer ) about the difficulties of controlling prosthectics via mind control.
Interesting link, Jim_E. Thanks for posting. I would think that the "bionic limb" idea would actually be easier since they are trying the use the biological processes already in place to do essentially what they were designed to do - think about moving your hand that used to be at the end of your arm and the new hand at the end of your arm moves as the original once did. The process of separate robots seems like a whole other ballgame.
Jim_E, thanks for the link to that Wired article (and I agree about print editions: Rolling Stone in the hand is very different from Rolling Stone on line, e.g.). But trying to control the incredibly complex movements of a hand and its fingers has got to be a few orders of magnitude more complicated than controlling legs enough to make them walk. So I'm not surprised there's been little progress in that area.
Andrew Morris designed a circuit that could detect a stroke victim's groan and convert the sound into a signal so caregivers would know when help was needed.
New disc magnet motors fit into the design trend of stepping up to closed loop performance while maintaining the cost advantage of stepper motor technology.
At the Design News webinar on June 27, learn all about aluminum extrusion: designing the right shape so it costs the least, is simplest to manufacture, and best fits the application's structural requirements.
On April 21, NASA launched a novel project, putting into orbit three satellites that employ an off-the-shelf commercial smartphone as the control system.
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