Honda has developed new brain-machine interface (BMI) technology that allows humans to control the Asimo humanoid robot simply by thinking certain thoughts.
The BMI system, which Honda developed along with Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) and Shimadzu Corporation, consists of a sensor-laden helmet that measures the user's brain activity and a computer that analyzes the thought patterns and relays them as wireless commands to the robot. (Watch video.)
When the user simply thinks about moving his or her right hand, the pre-programmed Asimo responds several seconds later by raising its right arm. Likewise, Asimo lifts its left arm when the person thinks about moving their left hand, it begins to walk when the person thinks about moving their legs, and it holds its hand up in front of its mouth when the person thinks about moving their tongue.
The high-precision BMI technology relies on three different types of brain activity measurements. EEG (electroencephalography) sensors measure the slight fluctuations in electrical potential on the scalp that occur when thinking, while NIRS (near-infrared spectroscopy) sensors measure changes in cerebral blood flow. Newly developed information extraction technology is used to process the complex data from these two types of sensors, resulting in a more accurate reading. The system reportedly has an accuracy rate of more than 90%.
The use of EEG and NIRS sensors makes the new system more compact than previous BMI systems that rely on bulkier fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) technology. Although the system is small enough to be transported from place to place, the developers plan to further reduce the size.
Honda, which has been conducting BMI research and development with ATR since 2005, is looking into the possibility of one day using this type of interface technology with artificial intelligence and robotics to create devices that users can operate without having to move.
[Source: Honda press release]
Alan
X-posted to my shared items
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I've been watching this technology closely. The 'brain wave' control mechanism has had a lot of powerful news coming out lately. I haven't seen any video of this one in particular, but it looks certainly impressive as it's imitating limb movement, and not just the (easier) facial expressions and movements.
The environment presented here also makes me wonder about the 'training' necessary for the device. From what I've heard, it takes a lot of practice on the part of the human, and a lot of adjustment on the part of the machine to ever accurately mimic a thought.
[]Scanner
It requires up to three hours of training, according to the article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/mar/31/mind-control-helmet-honda-asimo :
"Honda said the technology was not ready for general use because of potential distractions in the person's thinking. Another problem is that brain patterns differ greatly between individuals, and so for the technology to work brain activity must first be analysed for up to three hours."
[]Michael
This will not end well.
[]James
This is so very intriguing! I am completely fascinated with this technology and how it may apply to virtual avatars. This is the first time I’ve seen it applied to a real robot. Thanks for posting.
[]flommytherobot
Flommytherobot would like to point out that the idea of controlling a robot with human thought could be greatly accelerated by a close study of how a human woman controls a human man with thought.
One configuration would be, upon the human subject being shown a picture of a cat, that Asimo cracks a whip, very loudly!
Flommytherobot is pleased to have been of assistance.
[]Mike
Yeah that's a really interesting brain-computer interface.
Check out my neurotechnology blog too. I try to discuss weird stuff like that from time to time.
[]zosorock
I would say this is great advertisement for... Crocs! :D
[]Vinod Kumar S for Shimadzu Corporation
Honda, Shimadzu and other japanese companies have always been aggressive in technology innovation.
their robots are globally acclaimed for impressive ideas. Now this one is really amazing, But would i ever be able to see it.
Shimadzu has various businesses - Weighing scales is one of the oldest business they have....Am proud to be their Weighing Scale distributor in India
shimadzu weighing scales india
[]goodbadnthebeautiful
Think about reverse engineering? Ut oh!
[]vlad
you know this could be like the movie
[]'Surrogates' wherer people live through robots and people always safe.
sam
is this news is true????????????????
[]John Smith
This could be very innovative...and i would like to see this except like battlebots and UFC combined where two robots fight to the death through the thoughts of their controlling humans...very intertaining..and yet....very expensive...and yet i feel like it could have the highest TV ratings since American Idol...who wouldnt wanna see a robot take on another robot with a Buzzsaw?
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