Robot Hand Controlled by Thought

Yukiyasu Kamitani and associates from the ATR Computational Neuroscience Laboratories in Kyoto, together with researchers from the Honda Research Institute in Saitama, have demonstrated a robotic hand that can be controlled solely with the power of brain.

The robotic hand’s movements are based on real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of a person’s brain activity. It bears close resemblance to real hand in the way it performs. This assistive technology solution is a milestone in the progress towards prosthetics and computers solely controlled by thought.

How it Works

Initially, the subjects are asked to make shapes of things with their right hand and an MRI scanner records the brain activity during the process. This data is then fed into a connected computer. The computer will recognize the brain activity associated with each shape and command the robotic hand to do the same thing.

An fMRI machine, using a combination of powerful magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses, analyses the brain activities by monitoring blood flow to various parts while probing the magnetic state of hydrogen atoms in water molecules within body tissue.

Another method to track the brain activity is using electrodes implanted in brain tissue or attached to the scalp. This method was a success when tested with monkeys. Such electrodes can control the movement of a cursor on a computer screen.

However, Klaus-Robert Mueller of the Fraunhofer Institute in Berlin, Germany, who developed a similar system, says, “From a practical point of view, the technology is too costly and slow. But it is very interesting that you can do something as complicated as this.”

Kamitani is very optimistic about the future of robotic hands. “The next step for me is to decode faster, even before the person moves their hand, by reading the brain activity related to intention,” he told New Scientist. However, he is very realistic in admitting that fMRI scanning technology has a long way to go before making any substantial achievements. “We will need several breakthroughs in related technologies, including those for brain scanning hardware, before this type of non-invasive systems will be used in daily life,” says Kamitani.