Wed, April 01, 2009
Honda unveiles the world's first technology system that enables humans to control robots by thoughts alone- no pushing buttons, punching key boards and physical movement.
Think it, do it. Sounds easy, but what if we're talking about robots and not humans?
Yes, it seems Japan- home to almost half of the world's 800,000 industrial robots- has gone one step further and unveiled the world's first technology system that enables humans to control robots by thoughts alone.
Sounds incredible, but its true.
As a user imagines moving a body part, sensors placed on his head measures and analyses the slight waves and blood flow change in the brain, which allows the adjoining robot to make corresponding movements such as raising its arm or leg.
Tatsuya Okube, senior scientist at the Honda Research Institute
SOUNDBITE: Tatsuya Okube, senior scientist at Honda Research Institute Japan Co. Ltd, (English), saying:
"As you know, we are, we are fundamental researchers so now we are, we are challenging to release some new technology. So unfortunately now we cannot expect when we can release BMI (Brain Machine Interface) as a product."
With the latest Brain Machine Interface (BMI) technology, humans can now manipulate a robot without the hassle of pushing buttons or punching key boards.
Honda says they hope to incorporate the technology into a variety of human-friendly products in the future, but making them available in stores might take some time.
So having a robot opening your car boot, and putting the grocery shop away could become just a wish away.
Neena Dhaun, Reuters.
