Research subjects at the University of Minnesota fitted with a specialized noninvasive brain cap were able to move the robotic arm just by imagining moving their own arms. [Photo courtesy University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering]
1. These mind-controlled robotic arms don’t need brain implants
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have developed a non-invasive way to control robotic arms by purely thinking about how to move them. This innovation is a breakthrough and trumps previous brain-computer interfaces that required implants in the brain to record brain signals and control robotics.
The technique is called electroencephalography (EEG) based brain-computer interface. It records weak electrical activity in the brain through an EEG cap that has 64 electrodes – no surgical implants needed. The cap converts what the user is thinking into operation with advanced signal processing and machine learning.
Eight humans were a part of the experiment. The subjects had to wear an EEG cap and only think about moving their arms to be able to control a robotic arm. The robotic arm was used in a 3D space to grasp and move objects from a table to a shelf, using only the thoughts of the person wearing the EEG cap.
Every subject was able to control the robotic arm and move objects to a designated location with an 80% success rate. Moving objects from a table to a shelf resulted in a 70% success rate.
Read more about the robotic arm.
