Two monkeys with tiny sensors in their brains have learned to control a mechanical arm with just their thoughts, using it to reach for and grab food and even to adjust for the size and stickiness of morsels when necessary, scientists reported on Wednesday.
The report, released online by the journal Nature, is the most striking demonstration to date of brain-machine interface technology. Scientists expect that technology will eventually allow people with spinal cord injuries and other paralyzing conditions to gain more control over their lives.
The full article is here with an amazing video! Monkeys Think, Moving Artificial Arm as Own
A grid in the monkey’s brain carried signals from 100 neurons for the mechanical arm to grab and carry snacks to the mouth.
My father has never made anything as progressive as the mind-control technology, but he has made myoelectric arms, which allows patients to contract or flex a muscle sending a small electrical signal called an EMG that causes the artificial hand to move. With the new mind control technology, they are one step closer to even easier movement for amputees (even though I find controlling stuff with your mind kinda creepy!)
Myoelectric Arms: It's Electrifying!
And just for kicks, below is a video of Cafecita the Llama, a llama that my pops made a leg prosthesis for. He'd never made one for an animal before, but this was a special case. Cafecita would have had to be euthanized without her new leg, but now she's alive and healthy!
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