Reading Slashdot often gives me hope for the future. I'm not talking about the latest, greatest software widget but rather by the fact someone really has done something insane with old technology.
Today? A team of scientists in Washington University in St. Louis have successfully interfaced an Atari 2600 with a 14 year old boy. Whilst it still may be some time before the level of technology approaches 'Ghost in the Shell' standards, it does show what could be possible. The article linked on Slashdot has more detailed information and is well worth your time, for nothing more than inspiration if nothing else.
Currently, the technology relies on invasive means of getting the signals from the brain and into the software; directly attaching a grid to the surface of the brain. Once connected, the teenager promptly completed the first level of 'Space Invaders' by moving his limbs. He then went on to complete two levels with just thought power alone.
This is a fantastic achievement and could pave the way for the control of prosthetics using signals from the brain. If the potential problems involving the invasive means of interfacing with the brain can be overcome, such as infection, then this could help many people in a tangible way. Hopefully the scientists will be encouraged with these results and pursue the work further.
Einstein said it best;
If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?
till next time,
Alex.
Today? A team of scientists in Washington University in St. Louis have successfully interfaced an Atari 2600 with a 14 year old boy. Whilst it still may be some time before the level of technology approaches 'Ghost in the Shell' standards, it does show what could be possible. The article linked on Slashdot has more detailed information and is well worth your time, for nothing more than inspiration if nothing else.
Currently, the technology relies on invasive means of getting the signals from the brain and into the software; directly attaching a grid to the surface of the brain. Once connected, the teenager promptly completed the first level of 'Space Invaders' by moving his limbs. He then went on to complete two levels with just thought power alone.
This is a fantastic achievement and could pave the way for the control of prosthetics using signals from the brain. If the potential problems involving the invasive means of interfacing with the brain can be overcome, such as infection, then this could help many people in a tangible way. Hopefully the scientists will be encouraged with these results and pursue the work further.
Einstein said it best;
If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?
till next time,
Alex.
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