Published on 03/11/2008
Folks confined to a wheelchair might find new degrees of freedom soon, as Eurpoean researchers have successfully developed technology that enables mere brain signals to control computers, artificial limbs and even wheelchairs. This non-intrusive brain-computer interface (BCI) is developed by the MAIA project and takes advantage of electrical signals emitted by the brain which are picked up by electrodes attached to the user’s scalp, literally bringing to action thoughts of the brain - something unheard of in the past. So far trial tests have proven to be huge successes, where users could manoeuvre a wheelchair around obstacles and people with nothing but brainpower. I would like this technology to translate to typing on a keyboard as it would greatly enhance my productivity as my fingers sometimes don't go to where they're supposed to.