Monkey Brain Moves Robotic Arm!

Patch · May 29, 2008

Monkeys have been able to control robotic limbs using only their thoughts, scientists report.

The animals were able to feed themselves using prosthetic arms, which were controlled by brain activity.

Small probes, the width of a human hair, were inserted into the monkeys' primary motor cortex - the region of the brain that controls movement.

Writing in Nature journal, the authors said their work could eventually help amputees and people who are paralysed.

Lead researcher Dr Andrew Schwartz, who is based at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, said: "We are beginning to understand how the brain works using brain-machine interface technology.

"The more we understand about the brain, the better we'll be able to treat a wide range of brain disorders, everything from Parkinson's disease and paralysis to, eventually, Alzheimer's disease and perhaps even mental illness."

natural movement

With the probes inserted into the monkeys' motor cortices, computer software was used to interpret the brain's electrical impulses and translate them into movement through the robotic arm.

This arm was jointed like a human arm and possessed a "gripper" that mimics a hand.

After some training, two monkeys - who had had their own arms restrained - were able to use the prosthetic limbs to feed themselves with marshmallows and chunks of fruit.

The researchers said that the movements were fluid and natural.

The monkeys were able to use their brains to continuously change the speed and direction of the arm and the gripper, suggesting that the monkeys had come to regard the robotic arm as a part of their own bodies.

The success rate of the experiment was 61%.

Dr Schwarz said: "In our research, we've demonstrated a higher level of precision, skill and learning.

"The monkey learns by first observing the movement, which activates its brain cells as if it was doing it. It's a lot like sports training, where trainers have athletes first imagine that they are performing the movements they desire."

Complex brain

He said the research could eventually benefit the development of prosthetic limbs for people with spinal cord injuries or for amputees.

He said: "Our immediate goal is to make a prosthetic device for people with total paralysis."

"Ultimately, our goal is to better understand brain complexity."

Commenting on the paper, Professor Paul M Matthew from the Hammersmith Hospital, said: "The challenge of interfacing the billions of nerve cells in the brain that control the full range of limb movements directly with a mechanical prosthesis has seemed impossibly difficult.

"However, this important paper confirms that the brain controls movement just by planning where to go, rather than by directing individual muscles how to make the limb get there.

"The study shows that fewer than 100 tiny electrical signals generated in the specialised area known as the 'motor cortex' can command even complex arm and hand movements.

"This moves the day when patients disabled after spinal cord injuries or amputations can use brain-controlled bionic limbs from the realm of science fiction towards science fact."
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Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7423184.stm

It may seem small, but I see this as a huge advancement and the first step down a long road that leads to amazing new discoveries.

Nautica · May 29, 2008

Just fuckin' Great...another way for the little bastards to fling their poo!

Volpone · May 29, 2008

I, for one, welcome our new cybernetic monkey overlords.

oldfella1962 · May 29, 2008

Oh great! Just great....coulda done without this!

oldfella1962 · May 29, 2008

Here's the pic for my last comment.

Liet · May 29, 2008

Wasn't this in a Trek episode of some sort?

A little more seriously though, this really could be an interesting development. There's lots of possibility attached to technology like this, both good and bad.

AlphaMan · May 29, 2008

I wonder how they were able to establish a biological --> mechanical interface...

Starguard · May 29, 2008

The shape of things to come

Patch · Jun 1, 2008

AlphaMan said: ↑

I wonder how they were able to establish a biological --> mechanical interface...
Click to expand...

It would seem a natural fit to connect the new equipment directly into the nerves of the old equipment. As far as on the monkey, it looks like he has a cable hooked into his head.

Archangel · Jun 2, 2008

Pardot said: ↑

Wasn't this in a Trek episode of some sort?

A little more seriously though, this really could be an interesting development. There's lots of possibility attached to technology like this, both good and bad.
Click to expand...

BDS is tragic.

oldfella1962 · Jun 2, 2008

Dressing up as cowboys and riding dogs isn't good enough for the little scamps anymore? Damn monkeys these days.......

Talkahuano · Jun 2, 2008

AlphaMan said: ↑

I wonder how they were able to establish a biological --> mechanical interface...
Click to expand...

I think since different electrical signals in your brain do different things, the machinery picks up on that.

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Monkey Brain Moves Robotic Arm!

Patch Version 2.7

Nautica Probably a Dual

Volpone Zombie Hunter

oldfella1962 the only real finish line

oldfella1962 the only real finish line

Liet Dr. of Horribleness, Ph.D.

AlphaMan The Last Dragon

Starguard Fresh Meat

Patch Version 2.7

Archangel Primus Peritia

oldfella1962 the only real finish line

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Log in or Sign up

Monkey Brain Moves Robotic Arm!

Patch Version 2.7

Nautica Probably a Dual

Volpone Zombie Hunter

oldfella1962 the only real finish line

oldfella1962 the only real finish line

Liet Dr. of Horribleness, Ph.D.

AlphaMan The Last Dragon

Starguard Fresh Meat

Patch Version 2.7

Archangel Primus Peritia

oldfella1962 the only real finish line

Talkahuano Second Flame Lieutenant

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