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Machines That Translate Wants into Actions
Article

Machines That Translate Wants into Actions

A new generation of brain-machine interface can deduce what a person wants

Scientific American, 2019 more...


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The intricate connections between the human brain and bodily movements are slowly being decoded, with new brain-machine interface (BMI) technology. Richard Andersen’s CalTech research team is implanting electrode arrays directly into the brain, which allows subjects to move prostheses, and in some cases actually feel the movements, through a new generation of “read-out” BMIs. The results give hope to everyone with brain damage or degenerative nerve diseases, that they can learn to move and manipulate their world by simply thinking about it, opening their lives to more freedom and independence. 

Summary

Neuroscientists have labored for decades to find ways to connect human brain impulses to physical actions, with limited success.

Most people walk or grasp a cup without thinking about it, but those with brain or nerve impairments struggle with such simple tasks. New brain-machine interface (BMI) technology holds out the promise that their brains can move physical objects and limbs, using conscious thoughts.

Some current devices use “write-in” BMIs to transmit electrical impulses to neural tissues. One example is cochlear implants, which enable deaf people to hear by stimulating the auditory nerve. Retinal stimulators are being tested on blind patients. Parkinson’s disease can be somewhat mitigated by stimulating parts of the brain that control motor activity.

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About the Author

Richard Andersen is James G. Boswell Professor of Neuroscience and the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Brain-Machine Interface Center Leadership chair and center director at the California Institute of Technology. He studies the neural mechanisms of sight, hearing, balance, touch and action, and the development of neural prostheses. Andersen is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine.


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