Device lets thoughts control a computer

[peat moss]

http://www.cyberkineticsinc.com/images/common/logo_subpage.gifA paralyzed man using a new brain sensor has been able to move a computer cursor, open e-mail and control a robotic device simply by thinking about doing it, a team of scientists said on Wednesday.

They believe the BrainGate sensor, which involves implanting electrodes in the brain, could offer new hope to people paralyzed by injuries or illnesses.

"This is the first step in an ongoing clinical trial of a device that is encouraging for its potential to help people with paralysis," Dr. Leigh Hochberg, of Massachusetts General Hospital, said in an interview.

:source: Source: http://news.zdnet.com/Device+lets+thoughts+control+a+computer/2100-1040_22-6093481.html?part=netscape-zdnet&tag=mynetscape&subj=technews
:view: Homepage: http://www.cyberkineticsinc.com/

[Damnatory]

The idea is great, and the uses could be limitless, however giving the ability to control robotics and computers to bitter paralyzed people doesn't seem that smart...

Anyone seen The Lawnmower Man?

[peat moss]

I thought bitter was a spelling error till you mentioned Lawnmower Man . I think anything that improves their quality of life is worth it .

[tesco]

Would be great for people that can't speak so that a compute can speak what they think. :)

[Barbarossa]

Would also be great for people that can't think, a computer that can think for them. :)

[Dedalus^]

LoL i saw a news report about this on CTV or CBC.

Its still very primative, but just imagine what we'd be able to do one day!
I think only 4 ppl are testing the technology in the USA right now.

One day, maybe they can bypass the part of the spine that is damaged, and make it possible for paralyzed people to walk again, with the aid of a computer!