Swiss scientists create a mind-controlled robot
Mind-controlled robots may one day help some control equipment such as wheelchairs with their brain instead of their hands.
Scientists from Switzerland have created a robot that can be controlled by the human mind.
On Tuesday, the researchers demonstrated that a paralyzed man could use his mind to control a 1-foot tall robot dozens of miles away.
It is the first time a paralyzed patient has been used to control a robot using thoughts, said the Los Angeles Times.
Researcher at the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne, Jose Millan, said that the same technology could eventually be used to drive a wheelchair or be used in smart prosthetics like arms or legs.
Read more on GlobalPost: A printable home robot, easy as IKEA, brought to you by MIT
According to AFP, Millan said, "Once the movement has begun, the brain can relax, otherwise the person would soon be exhausted."
Despite the advancement in mind-control technology, Millan also warned of the difficulties that plague such research.
For instance, too many minds in one room or near the said object might mix up brain signals.
Other Swiss researchers such as Gregoire Courtine of the Polytechnic School in Zurich are trying to rehabilitate paraplegics to help them walk again using similar technology.
"The goal is that after a year of training with a robotic aide, the patient will be able to walk without a robot. The electrodes would stay implanted for life," said Courtine, according to AAP.
The story you just read is available for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
Make a gift today, and you’ll get us one step closer to our goal of raising $25,000 by June 14. We need your help now more than ever!