MIT develops brain-to-machine algorithm

Scientists are making progress on neural devices that can translate the thoughts of a paralyzed person into driving action for a prosthetic device.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said Wednesday that they've developed an algorithm for a neural prosthetic aid that can link an individual's brain activity to the person's intentions; and then translate that intention into movement.

Of course, other scientists have already done that, and built prototypes for neural brain-to-machine devices that can work for animals or humans. But each team has taken a different approach to the problem, such as developing algorithms for measuring activity in a specific brain region, or measuring them through EEGs vs. optical imaging.

MIT said that it has developed a unified algorithm that can work within the parameters of these different approaches. Lakshminarayan "Ram" Srinivasan, lead author of a paper on the subject, said MIT's new graphical models are applicable no matter what measurement technique is used.

"We don't need to reinvent a new paradigm for each modality or brain region," he said in a statement.

Still, he said, the algorithm isn't perfect, nor the final solution to solving what is a difficult problem. "Translating an algorithm into a fully functioning clinical device will require a great deal of work, but also represents an intriguing road of scientific and engineering development for the years to come," according to MIT.

MIT will publish a paper on the subject in the October edition of the Journal of Neurophysiology.

[mikalg]

Interesting......but....

Interesting idea, and bravo for the attempt to unify two fields of work (two "read" methods) into a cohesive unit. However, this is, as stated, only the beginning of a huge amount of work. Until feedback can be returned to the brain (think of balancing yourself standing) this is very exciting, but not very useful. Impractical, considering other modes of control, not to mention transportation is much more feasible and in use today. There is a reason we as humans have been using the "flush toilet" since 1738. Thats right, we have mastered engineering marvels such as automobiles, aircraft, and have placed a man on the moon...but we still flush the proverbial torpedo down the drain. Why? Well, practicality my dear sir, practicality!

[PhoneJef]

RE: Interesting.....But....

don't most airports have public restrooms that flush based on a light sensor?

not sure what point you were trying to make, are you saying we shouldn't create prosthetics that operate on brain signals just like your muscles do because most people have muscles that respond to their brain already?

Are you saying the present controls for paralyzed people in wheel chairs are fine as they are, or are "practical" and don't need to be improved?

what about fireman operating a remote robot directly from their brain signals, instead of a joystick, would this robot react as fast as they would without placing their lives at risk?

I think you have a very poor imagination.

My dear sir,

[mikalg]

Imagination

Thats funny.... "Light sensors" still flush 'ya know. Anyway, I think it is great, and I applauded the attempt. I said there was a great deal of work to be done though. Usually, this means we still use the fork for a great LONG time. Being practical, cost would prohibit the use of a "brain interface" -vs remote control (using your hands) for the firemen. What use is this technology for remote controls anyway? Faster? Not with the current scan to response ratio! The only useful application WOULD be for prosthetics. However, again cost (unless you think that mobile PET scanning equipment is free) is easily many times the cost of the wheelchair you mention. Without a balancing mechanism built into the prosthetic itself, you also have to consider "falling". Now, tell me, HOW PRACTICAL IS THAT? Hundreds of millions of dollars in development, and ASIMO can finally walk and balance himself (most of the time). Talk about your six million dollar man! Sure, Bill Gates may find a use for this technology if the European Union were to break both his legs. Who else can afford such a monstrosity? Its big, heavy,expensive, and SLOWER than the current available products. maybe you should use YOUR imagination, and find a way to make a PET scanner, motorized and self balancing robotic legs, a computing device capable of managing balance while permitting the movement that the user is attempting, etc. Yea, what I said. Its not practical. Traditionally, practicality wins over in the products that companies produce. Just how long would you have Reeves (if he were alive) wait for such a product to emerge? Besides, these products ALREADY exist, just NOT PRODUCED FOR CONSUMER USE. Open your eyes man! Meanwhile; my neighbor Jim still gets around VERY efficiently with his $600.00 wheelchair.

[aleeks]

True that this stuff is very impractical...but only in the present day. In years to come, I trust that development of BCIs and the folks at MIT will make significant advancements, reducing the superficial but essential aspects of cost.

I think the essence behind work like this is the start of an undertaking with enormous potential; but it will take an enormous amount of work. Imagine: an artist able to bring forth sublime pieces of art with just his imagination; a work of art that defies known mediums, digital or not. Imagine a recording artist able to conceptualize new sounds and instruments that would take lifetimes fiddling with VST plug-ins. For practicality, how about a surgical device whose capabilities of function and movement (talk about navigating tight corridors!) in today's technology would give a headache to the best gamers in the world!

The new "Dune" series feature Cymechs (sp?), which are human brains encased in awesome robot forms. Scary? Yes, but certainly exciting.

[aleeks]

RE mikalg

True that this stuff is very impractical...but only in the present day. In years to come, I trust that development of BCIs and the folks at MIT will make significant advancements, reducing the superficial but essential aspects of cost.

I think the essence behind work like this is the start of an undertaking with enormous potential; but it will take an enormous amount of work. Imagine: an artist able to bring forth sublime pieces of art with just his imagination; a work of art that defies known mediums, digital or not. Imagine a recording artist able to conceptualize new sounds and instruments that would take lifetimes fiddling with VST plug-ins. For practicality, how about a surgical device whose capabilities of function and movement (talk about navigating tight corridors!) in today's technology would give a headache to the best gamers in the world!

The new "Dune" series feature Cymechs (sp?), which are human brains encased in awesome robot forms. Scary? Yes, but certainly exciting.