are you ready for brain controlled computers???
April 25th, 2009
In the coming months, cheap headsets that let you control technology with the electrical signals generated by your firing neurons will go on sale to the general public. Our relationship with technology – and our brains – will never be the same again. Â
Researchers have developed systems that read brainwaves – in the form of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals – in order to help people suffering from disabilities or paralysis control wheelchairs, play games , or type on a computer. Now, two companies are preparing to market similar devices to mainstream consumers.
Australian outfit Emotiv will release a headset whose 16 sensors make it possible to direct 12 different movements in a computer game. Emotiv says the helmet can also detect emotions.
Compatible with any PC running Windows, it will ship later this year for $299. They have shown off a game where the player moves stones to rebuild Stonehenge using mind power alone.
Californian company NeuroSky has also built a device that can detect emotions: the firm says it can tell whether you are focused, relaxed, afraid or anxious, for example.
There’s already speculation about how the internet, gaming and other interactive technology is changing the brains of the next generation – albeit not necessarily well-founded. But for the generation after that, it will be normal to control machines using thought alone. Given the awesome adaptability and plasticity of the human brain, how will our biological hardware and software will adapt?
Entry Filed under: Technology, Think About It!
4 Comments
Add your own1. fatos | April 25th, 2009 at 6:09 PM
heh, maybe you have too many expectations about your fellow thinkers and their ability to give well founded answers on specific issues.. such as brain controlled computers and how our “biological hardware/software” will adapt them.
the only thing that we, as people, may find hard to adapt to is climate changes.
or maybe one day technology (apropos) can help us restructure parts of our way of living that is harmful to nature.
2. whu | April 26th, 2009 at 2:09 AM
hmm, really fatos?
Personally not seeing the uhh ‘good’ in this. .
Rather seeing in MOST ‘inventions’ so to speak, today as one step closer 2 iRobot. .AI. .Minority Report. .and in the end Terminator.
Perhaps i’m too learned 4 my own good??
3. fatos | April 26th, 2009 at 3:02 PM
I find your opinion rather conservative and too science fictional.
I mean it’s always good to be PREPARED for the worst, but if we were afraid to make further advances we would’ve never gotten this far. Even those movies you are referring to wouldn’t have been possible to make.
How can you not see the “good” in this?!
The technology helps people who are suffering from disabilities or paralysis to control wheelchairs, play games, or type on a computer. Isn’t that beneficial in your opinion? Imagine yourself in the position of those people who desperately need this.
Besides, some people are a bigger threat to other people and humanity, than technology or “iRobot” will ever be. (Bush & Cheney for example)
You can never be too learned.
Knowledge is infinite and knowledge is king.
4. Mo | April 26th, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Damn man.. thats crazy… destroy it!
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