Honda technology breakthrough controls robots via brainwaves; cars could be next
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Honda Research Institute (HRI) has teamed up with Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute (ATRI) to developing working technology allowing humans to control robotic devices simply by thinking about the task - a breakthrough that could change the way we control our motor vehicles.
Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to scan a subject's brain as they make a simple physical motion, the system can replicate the motion using a robot in near real time (said to be about seven seconds for a rock-paper-scissors type of gesture). The system requires no surgical implant of electrodes, and no specific operator training is necessary. While the performance is considerably slower than would be required for something like a collision avoidance system, it's likely that a bit of time and the application of the "modern-day bigger-hammer approach" (read: more computational power) will help close the gap.
Potentially, the fatal flaw of the system is its reliance on actual thought processes - something said to be completely missing in many of the world's worst drivers.
[Source: Medical News Today]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Arnie 9:07AM (5/29/2006)
That's what I want. An MRI machine attached to my head while I'm driving. Sounds like a workable concept.
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Bambino 12:54PM (5/29/2006)
Ha! Imagine sneezing while driving... that should be an interesting thought.
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Buster Hymen 1:10PM (5/29/2006)
Can't wait to think "flip that guy who cut me off the bird" and watch the little robot hand lift from the left side panel and flick off the drive. How fun would that be!
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gbh 1:24PM (5/29/2006)
Even more fun will be had when merry pranksters will be able to point a transmitter at your headrest from their car, and make your car drive into the ditch.
Might work for HVAC, radio, and whatnot. I have real concerns about anything other than hand-eye inputs for vehicle control - too many ways for things to go wrong.
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the chad 1:45PM (5/29/2006)
And when you sarcastically think "Man I'd like to run that guy off the road" and the computer doesn't realize you're joking........
Sorry, I don't see myselfever trusting computers to drive me based on what they think is going on in my head. I'm too sarcastic :-)
Besides, the actual driving is the fun part!
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rem83 3:12PM (5/29/2006)
Um, last time I checked MRI machines cost millions of dollars and are as big as a small room. Additionally, they use up an amazing amount of energy and generate magnetic fields large enough to turn any metal object in the room into a deadly projectile. It's insane to even consider this technology for any sort of portable application, especially when "brain wave" control is completely unnecessary for anyone who's not a quadrapalegic.
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PJ 3:46AM (5/30/2006)
The seven-second delay between brain message and control input would be the most worrisome aspect as the technology stands now. Imagine trying to calculate seven seconds between your turn-in and the car's! (Hint -- drive an H2).
I suppose technology like this could become workable sometime in the future... it would allow much younger and much older people (and those with physical disabilities) to drive without having to precisely manipulate a mechanical interface.
That said, I'm glad this is future stuff. The sense of mechanical connection is what makes me love to drive.
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Son of Dat 1:09PM (5/30/2006)
Go Go Gadget Turn Left
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