Brain/Machine Interfaces Approaching Usefulness

Gary writes with a link to a Wired article about a brain-machine interface that may eventually have practical purposes. Though right now it simply allows a user to move a train on a track by performing math in their head, someday it may result in more serious applications. "Honda, whose interface monitors the brain with an MRI machine like those used in hospitals, is keen to apply the interface to intelligent, next-generation automobiles. The technology could one day replace remote controls and keyboards and perhaps help disabled people operate electric wheelchairs, beds or artificial limbs. Initial uses would be helping people with paralyzing diseases communicate even after they have lost all control of their muscles. Since 2005, Hitachi has sold a device based on optical topography that monitors brain activity in paralyzed patients so they can answer simple questions - for example, by doing mental calculations to indicate 'yes' or thinking of nothing in particular to indicate 'no.'"

Comments

What worries me...

[Ghoser777]

is what happens when you think something that you don't want to actually carry out? I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who has random thoughts that enter their mind and then you dismiss and don't actually do anything with. How can you tell between idle thoughts and thoughts that are supposed to bring about actions?

Re:One day

[moderatorrater]

In the future, computers will be seamless extensions of our will and using them will require no more thought than moving our own hands For some of us it's already like that.

It's optical _tomography_, not optical topography

[John Hasler]

n/t

I'm tired of phony brain interface advances

[SparkleMotion88]

This is nothing new. People have been controlling computers with their brain for over a decade. Let me know when the computer can directly put information inside the brain. That is the *real* advance we need.

Also. WTF? The person does math and the computer moves a train? That is totally backwards from the way it should be.

I do not think so

[WindBourne]

I think that we will see remote controls on planes, but bombers will probably fly with several extra "pilots" whose jobs are to control the small remote control fighters that surround the craft (think navy carrier group). The problem is that the time distance is TOO far if the pilot is on the ground. But in addition, some of the fighters will remain staffed by humans. Much quicker to respond and easier to see everything. But that will change on our next real war. At that time, I expect to see America suffer major losses, and at that time, the small inexpensive remote control aircrafts will win over.