Scientists Create Robotic Hand Controlled By Human Thought

May 31 2006, 4:00am CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Recently demonstrated by researchers in Japan was a robotic hand that is controlled exclusively by human thought. Using the incredibly expensive functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology, the researchers recorded brain activity of test subjects when asked to make rock, paper, and scissor symbols with their hand. They then mapped the data to the robotic hand.

Researchers were then able to control the hand, to replicate the rock, paper, scissors movements, simply by thinking about the appropriate symbol. Using human thought to control robotics or electronics is not an entirely new phenomenon, but this is one of the first times that the scope has really been to actually control a robotic version of a human body part.This is a big step forward in the fields of both robotics and prosthetics, but scientists say the technology is still too costly. The fMRI technology, which is still fairly new, provides excellent data but it is an expensive and time-consuming procedure.

Of course, over time this technology will be able to be produced more cost-effectively and before too long, "androids" will no longer just be a science fiction term. Although, the idea of a real-life Terminator does kind of creep me out.

Via New Scientist.

Report Published by: Mark Raby

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Luigi Lugmayr
Luigi is the founding chief Editor of I4U News and brings over 15 years experience in the technology field to the ever evolving and exciting world of gadgets. He started I4U News back in 2000 and evolved it into vibrant technology magazine.
Luigi can be contacted directly at ml@i4u.com. Luigi posts regularly on LuigiMe.com about his experience running I4U.