Brain2Robot project creates EEG-controlled robot arm

Thought-controlled appendages are far from new, but an international team of researchers have apparently created an apparatus that aims to make the lives of paralyzed individuals a tad easier. The Brain2Robot project utilizes electroencephalograph (EEG) signals in order to give patients the ability to control a robotic arm, which could eventually be used to do everything from hold periodicals to lift a cup of coffee. Reportedly, the arm could be ready for commercial use within just a few years, but there's no mention of an expected price range. Granted, we'd be a bit more excited about all of this if the technology were somehow made mobile, but it's hard to kvetch about a helping hand, regardless.

[Via Primidi]

[dataminer49er @ Nov 26th 2007 8:07AM]

So can you sue the robot arm when it spills the coffee in your lap or do you sue yourself?

[Chuckles McGee @ Nov 26th 2007 8:08AM]

What would Dr. Strangelove do?

[Flashpoint @ Nov 26th 2007 8:11AM]

Two words...

automated masturbation.

[Henri @ Nov 27th 2007 6:00AM]

lol for some odd reason that was the second use for that arm that came to my mind as well :D

[Grizz @ Nov 26th 2007 9:05AM]

Gigity-Gigity-Goo!

[tongman @ Nov 26th 2007 9:24AM]

Can't wait for the fleshlight attachment!

on a side note, whats up with his foot? Insult to injury?

[Ryan Trevisol @ Nov 26th 2007 11:49AM]

Lol . . . he's crossing his legs cause his first thought when getting into the machine was "How funny would it be if this thing punched me in the nuts?"

[blackfeather @ Nov 26th 2007 2:05PM]

"Hey, Beavis - huh huh - *I've* got a 'thought controlled appendage' - huh huh"

[Homeboy @ Nov 26th 2007 8:53AM]

Eight of those on my back + Eee as a central control unit + evil computer virus = Dr.Octopus

[Lupe @ Nov 26th 2007 8:55AM]

It sounds like intersting idea - but, it will take many more years to make it commercially. Better yet to make a competition where innovators would have to come up with a porduct that could perfost the most of some pre-defined tasks.
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[Fruition @ Nov 26th 2007 9:02AM]

I read the title as an "EFG-controlled robot arm" and I shuddered, thinking of the massive fail which would result from Epic Fail Guy controlling ANYTHING robotic.

[anonymous @ Nov 26th 2007 11:26AM]

RULE 1

[Fruition @ Nov 26th 2007 11:46PM]

(User was banned for this post)

[Anonymous @ Nov 30th 2007 7:34PM]

Rules one and two only apply during raids fool.

[Greg @ Nov 26th 2007 9:11AM]

It will be so expensive that only paralyzed celebrities will be able to afford it. -_-

[Maverick @ Nov 26th 2007 9:17AM]

slight problem...EEG measurements have nowhere near the resolution necessary to have any sort of complex control over a robotic arm. Intra-cranial electrodes could handle it, but very few people like the idea of having their skulls cut open and probes jammed into their brain. This tech is a long way from being useful, there's simply too much interference and the signals are just too weak from EEG right now.

[JS @ Nov 26th 2007 9:51AM]

As if having your CPU located under the posterior of an underling wasn't sufficient enough of an insult to provoke the robotic uprising, the future overlord was forced to serve coffee. When commanded to serve sugar by "the lump", the overlord happily compiled, errr ummm.... complied.

[Ken @ Nov 26th 2007 12:02PM]

Gee, thanks Mr. Scientist!! ...So if I don't think in ways that the arm expects me to, it'll spill scalding hot coffee in my crotch? Why YES, that'll be adequate incentive for me to think in ways the arm will recognize!

("Ooh.. cute girl...")

*robot performs "tune-in tokyo" motion*

[Steve Handjobs @ Nov 26th 2007 12:37PM]

Total frikking babe-magnet. Once the dudes at Pimp-My-EEG-Controlled-Robot-Arm get through with this badboy and deck it out with some sick spinners, a diamond-studded brain scanner and a set of turntables, prepare yourself for some grade A home caregiver booty. Know what I'm sayin' Hawking? Yeah, you tappin' that shit...

[Flashpoint @ Nov 26th 2007 12:45PM]

Well, I for one welcome our robotic - servo actuator armed overlords and all their spectacular mastubatory possibilities.

[Brian Sexton @ Nov 26th 2007 2:54PM]

At first, I thought the headline said "Brian2Robot" and I was a bit concerned.

[Stallone @ Nov 26th 2007 3:11PM]

porn industry will have a field day selling one of these as the new handjob king

[CalPolyStudent @ Nov 26th 2007 3:43PM]

the real question is, what is going on with this guy's left leg and foot?!

[Lupe @ Dec 4th 2007 2:39PM]

Great machine. If they could make it move the mouse instead (by thought) then a lot of carpal tunnel injuries could be avoided. Even better, if it could also do the typing then maybe it could be done much faster than otherwise.
http://www.3amed.co.uk/celebrity-perfect-skin-all-in--celebrity-perfect-skin-10-25-35-4-oz.html