Monkeys control robots with their minds

[madinmaryland]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/05/29/monkey.robots/index.html

(CNN) -- Monkeys with sensors implanted in their brains have learned to control a robot arm with their thoughts, using it to feed themselves with fruit and marshmallows.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine scientists behind the experiment say it will lead to the creation of brain-controlled prosthetic limbs for amputees or patients with degenerative disorders.

"We are beginning to understand how the brain works using brain-machine interface technology," lead researcher Andrew Schwartz wrote in the Nature journal.

"The more we understand about the brain, the better we'll be able to treat a wide range of brain disorders, everything from Parkinson's disease and paralysis to, eventually Alzheimer's disease and perhaps mental illness."

In the experiment, a pair of macaque monkeys were fitted with electrodes the width of a human hair that transmitted signals from areas of the brain linked to movements.

The signals directed the arms to grasp marshmallows and fruit and place it into their mouths in "one natural-looking motion," the Nature article said.

With their real arms restrained, the monkeys learned how to control the arms in a matter of days, negotiating obstacles and tilting their heads and moving their eyes without affecting the robotic limbs.



Who woulda thunk!

Hmmm...

[Iggo]

1. Oh, dear god.

Have these people never read a science fiction book? You DO NOT give monkeys the power over robots!

This can only end badly.

[madinmaryland]

3. Aren't robots governed by rules as defined by Isaac Asimov??

1.) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2.) A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3.) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

:hi:

[YankeyMCC]

2. Sounds like time for a Colbert Threat Down alert! nt

[DarkTirade]

4. But monkeys and robots are natural enemies.

Just like pirates and ninjas!

[Iggo]

5. That's right!

Witnesseth:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=I_QsCXm1vrk

[DarkTirade]

7. Very educational documentary.

:thumbsup:

[Forkboy]

6. I watched a whole show about this last year.

Some show on PBS did an episode about this and other scientific advances to help the handicapped. They also had brain implants to try to help people see. Awesome stuff.