Paralyzed Man Controls a Robotic Arm With The Power of His Mind – ScienceAlert

🔍 Summary:

A groundbreaking system that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics has enabled a man with tetraplegia to control a robotic arm using his thoughts, achieving tasks such as grasping and releasing objects. Developed by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), this brain-computer interface (BCI) system has operated successfully for seven months without needing significant recalibration—a significant improvement over previous technologies that required frequent adjustments.

The system utilizes advanced AI algorithms to decode specific brain signals and translate them into precise movements. This allows the user to control the robotic arm in real time, enhancing accuracy through immediate feedback and corrections. According to neurologist Karunesh Ganguly from UCSF, this integration of human and AI learning is crucial for developing more sophisticated, lifelike functions in BCIs.

During the research, the team discovered that while the shape of brain patterns associated with movement remained constant, their locations in the brain slightly shifted over time, likely due to the brain’s adaptation and learning processes. The AI’s ability to adapt to these changes reduced the need for recalibration, promising more stable and reliable long-term use.

The technology, which involves brain implants and a method called electrocorticography (ECoG) to monitor brain activity, is complex and costly. However, it represents a significant advancement in understanding and utilizing neural patterns linked to specific thoughts and actions. The researchers believe that future enhancements could improve both the speed and accuracy of the system, potentially aiding in more complex tasks and interactions.

This research not only aids individuals with severe physical disabilities by restoring some degree of independence but also contributes to broader applications, such as giving voice to those unable to speak and enabling game interaction. The findings have been published in the journal Cell, with the team optimistic about further developments in this promising field.

📌 Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/paralyzed-man-controls-a-robotic-arm-with-the-power-of-his-mind