Researchers develop robotic brain-computer interface

Brain-computer interfaces have been kicking around for a few years now, but they're relatively slow and unwieldy, which kind of puts a damper on world-domination plans -- the guy with the keyboard would probably be well into the missile-launch sequence by the time you've strapped on your dork-helmet. That might be slowly changing, though, as Caltech researchers are working on a robotic brain-computer interface, which can currently be implanted directly into non-human primate brains and move itself around to optimize readings. Although the MEMS-based motor system that actually moves the electrodes is still being developed, the software to do the job is ready to go, and the whole system being presented this week at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Pasadena. Robot-android chimps? Sure, that's just what we need.

[LarryLarryLarry @ May 22nd 2008 9:03AM]

I, for one, welcome our .... aw fuckit.

[OneLove @ May 22nd 2008 11:01AM]

lol , I was just thinking that.

[Fubar @ May 22nd 2008 8:14PM]

... poo-flinging overlords?

[Kurian @ May 22nd 2008 9:07AM]

Now all thats left to do is put sockets at the back of our heads so we can just come home and jack in to do whatever..

[jak0b @ May 22nd 2008 9:09AM]

"which can currently be implanted directly into non-human primate brains and move itself around to optimize readings"

That thing is huge! (compared to other primate brains, and ours for that matter!)
Just imagine how much of a brain they have to remove just to make room for this thing! Well I guess chimps don't need their medulla oblongata...

[Kevin @ May 22nd 2008 12:01PM]

These fit into standard cylinders. I record from brain cells using them (not autonomously like this) and they leave room for a decent sized positioner. In other words, the big part just clamps onto the cylinder, which is attached to the skull, while only the tiny electrode is inserted into the brain. The damage is generally very minimal, but certainly moving around in the same area over a long period of time (months or years) can cause significant damage.

[stefan @ May 22nd 2008 9:13AM]

move around on the inside through tiny motors? Well I for one would mind having my brain blended from the inside - and yes, it would blend.

[TomFox @ May 22nd 2008 12:36PM]

"Brain Powder, Don't breathe this"

[loujob @ May 22nd 2008 2:39PM]

You have a youtube of that blendiing?

[w00t @ May 22nd 2008 9:17AM]

I want a two way interface... You know, for porno! :)

[Esat Dedezade @ May 22nd 2008 9:19AM]

The matrix.... one step closer.

"I know Kung-Fu."
"Show me."

Ah the memories....

[Josh @ May 22nd 2008 9:58AM]

more like simply..

"whoa."

[anonymous @ May 22nd 2008 11:32AM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9GWbYHizYc

[retro77 @ May 22nd 2008 10:26AM]

Researchers don't like us do they?

[AlphaTeam @ May 22nd 2008 11:28AM]

Terminator anyone?

[Argot @ May 22nd 2008 11:52AM]

Seamus Harper would want that.

[dicer999 @ May 22nd 2008 2:33PM]

heh, it says "knob" on the pic

[loujob @ May 22nd 2008 2:39PM]

You have a youtube of that blendiing?

[AzaMcWazza @ May 22nd 2008 7:19PM]

Too bad about the chimps huh - fuckwit scientists.

[Jason White @ May 22nd 2008 9:52PM]

"We are the Chimps. Lower your firearms, and surrender your vehicles. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service ours. Resistance is futile. "

[mannix @ May 30th 2008 2:04PM]

They can currently be implanted directly into human brains and move itself around to optimize readings. The MEMS-based motor system that actually moves the electrodes was developed 5,000 years ago, and was been implemented decades ago.they are about the size of a "GOLD"
kernel of corn,
but certainly moving around in the same area over a long period of time (months or years) can cause significant damage.
This is very old technology. Its muxh better now, Quantumly better.