The feat was achieved by U.S. researchers who are hoping to develop future robots that can help restore the independence of paralysed victims and those suffering from neurodegenerative disorders.
According to Professor Bin He, from the University of Minnesota, this it the first time that humans have been able to control the flight of flying robots using just their thoughts.
Professor Bin He, from the University of Minnesota, says this is the first time humans have been able to control the flight of flying robots using just their thoughts. Five people were able to successfully control the four-blade helicopter, flying at an average straight-line speed of 0.69 metres per second (m/s)
Five people were able to successfully control the four-blade helicopter, known as a quadcopter, flying at an average straight-line speed of 0.69 metres per second (m/s).
Our next goal is to control robotic arms using noninvasive brain wave signals, with the eventual goal of developing brain–computer interfaces that aid patients with disabilities - Professor Bin He
The subjects were positioned in front of a screen which relayed images of the quadcopter’s flight through an on-board camera, allowing them to see which direction it was travelling in.
Brain signals were recorded using electroencephalography (EEG) and sent to the quadcopter over WiFi.
Facing away from the quadcopter, the subjects were asked to imagine using their right hand, left hand, and both hands together.
Each of these thoughts in turn instructed the quadcopter to turn right, left, lift, and then fall.
The subjects were then required to fly the quadcopter through two foam rings suspended from the gymnasium ceiling and were scored on a number of aspects.
The subjects were positioned in front of a screen which relayed images of the quadcopter's flight. Brain signals were recorded by the cap and sent to the quadcopter over WiFi to control its flight
A number of statistical tests were used to calculate how each subject performed.
A group of subjects also directed the quadcopter with a keyboard in a control experiment, allowing for a comparison between a standardised method and brain control.
'In previous work we showed that humans could control a virtual helicopter using just their thoughts,' said Professor He.
'I initially intended to use a small helicopter for this real-life study; however, the quadcopter is more stable, smooth and has fewer safety concerns.'
This researchers are currently looking at ways to restore hearing, sight and movement using this approach - where a direct pathway between the brain and an external device is created.
'Our next goal is to control robotic arms using noninvasive brain wave signals, with the eventual goal of developing brain–computer interfaces that aid patients with disabilities or neurodegenerative disorders,' said Professor He.
Originally posted on: Daily Mail
Ummm, Well, here comes robocop :/
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