Man with tetraplegia controls robotic arm using thoughts

A new system combining artificial intelligence (AI) with robotics is helping a paralyzed man control a robotic arm using only his thoughts. This technology has been working effectively for seven months, showing promise for helping people with disabilities. The system uses AI algorithms to match brain signals to specific movements. As the man imagined moving the robotic arm, he could see the movements in real-time. This feedback allowed him to make quick corrections, leading to better accuracy when controlling the arm. According to neurologist Karunesh Ganguly from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), this blending of human learning and AI represents a new phase in brain-computer interfaces. The technology allows the man to perform tasks, such as opening a cupboard and pouring a drink. Researchers discovered that while the shape of brain patterns related to movement remained constant, their location changed slightly over time. The AI could adjust for these changes, reducing the need for regular recalibration. The team believes that improvements in speed and accuracy are possible as the technology advances. The system uses brain implants and a technique called electrocorticography (ECoG) to monitor brain activity, translating it into arm movements. While the setup is complex and costly, it shows potential for tracking neural patterns linked to physical actions. This technology has also been used to help people who cannot speak and assisted a paralyzed man in playing chess. Although improvements are still needed, researchers are optimistic about the future of these systems in enabling more complex actions. Ganguly expressed confidence in the progress made, stating that the team has learned how to build an effective system. The findings of this research have been published in the journal Cell.