Working in Movement

The possibility of controlling computer-based devices by thought alone is not an unfamiliar topic on Working in Movement. Monkeying with Robots described how monkeys learned to move a computer cursor and then a robotic arm just by thinking about it. Experiencing Ourselves Plus talked about a performance artist who has learned to control a prosthetic arm. Internal Learning, External Action listed a brief experiment at Duke that found that electrodes briefly implanted in human brains can collect information rich enough to control complex devices. Though the information in these posts hold promise for harnessing thought-controlled devices, they were confined to the laboratory or stage.

Now With Tiny Brain Implants, Just Thinking May Make It So describes a giant next step. Cyberkinetics, Inc.has obtained FDA approval for a clinical trial that will test brain implants in paralyzed people so that they can control a computer by thinking. And they will face some big challenges in carrying this out.

Previous efforts at thought controlled computing weren't as challenged. The monkeys learned to control a cursor and robotic arm with their thinking only AFTER they had learned to control the devices by moving their own bodies. Those chosen for the Cyberkinetics trial won't be able to move, and will have to start with imagining movement. The performance artist controls his prosthetic arm with sensors that pick up movements of his abdominal muscles. At least one earlier disabled research subject learned to control a computer keyboard, but could only type three words per minute.

This is quite an ambitious project from many perspectives. Can the technology work reliably? Can imagined movement be traced in strong and rich enough doses to offer enough detail for fine movements? Most importantly, will this trial lead to a way for people with severely compromised sensory motor systems to live the life they truly want? That's the real bottom line.