MIND CONTROLLED ARTIFICIAL ARM

Mind Controlled Artificial Arm

Mind Controlled Artificial Arm

Introduction

It sounds like science fiction but the prospect of controlling robot machines by thought alone has moved a step closer with a groundbreaking experiment on human volunteers. Scientists have already proved that monkeys can move a cursor on a computer screen by thought waves and now there is evidence that similar techniques could work on man. Accident victims suffering total paralysis might be able to control wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs by thinking about hand or arm movements. Also a step nearer reality is the science-fiction concept of the man-machine "cyborg" as depicted in Hollywood films such as the Terminator series.

Where in the brain is this micro-chip is to be implanted

Tests on humans show a link between a pattern of brain signals and certain limb movements. Previous research has shown monkeys can move a cursor on a computer screen using thought-waves alone. However, implants of microchips into the brain of paralysed patients would be necessary to allow them to control a robot arm or computer.

The electrical signals produced by the brain would be picked up by the chip and sent to the robotic arm. Tests were carried out on Parkinson's Disease patients who played a computer game as they underwent a brain operation under local anaesthetic. Tiny electrodes recorded signals coming from the brain as the patients used a joystick to play the game. The results showed the pattern of brain signals that correspond to certain movements of a limb can be mapped. (http://zeenews.india.com/news/sci-tech/brain-controlled-prosthetic-arm-developed_697362.html) This makes it possible to produce a chip which knows what the signals sent by the brain mean.

Explanation of this new advancement

The system, using a brain-implanted microchip, is meant to provide 'near-natural' functioning of the arm, hand and fingers. The arm system, developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, uses a microchip implanted in the brain to record and decode signals to neurons that control muscles linked to the prosthesis. The BMI control of the MPL arm will be made possible by the array of penetrating electrodes implanted into the motor cortex of five quadriplegic patients.( http://www.topnews.in/health/brain-controlled-prosthetic-arm-developed-211557). It is unlikely that any of these novel strategies will actually be used in the first generation of cortical arrays for the MPL control. Nevertheless, the upcoming clinical trial will be a positive event for the BMI R&D community after suffering a setback from the failed BrainGate trial three years ago. By utilizing this Pathway, the FDA aims to cut the premarket approval process time in half (to 150 days or less), suggesting a smooth commercialization path for the BMI-MPL after conclusion of its clinical trials.

What it can do for medicine

Medicine is changing rapidly. Based on extensive interviews, here is what will occur in medicine shortly including new advances in science, changes in the delivery of care and health care reform. Aging; behaviors; chronic illnesses; fewer providers; etc will impact the future of medicine.

When it will be used

The new device will have remarkable dexterity with ...