Robotic Limbs that Plug into the Brain

October 27, 2010 | Source: Technology Review

A brain-controlled prosthetic arm, under development at the Applied Physics Lab at Johns Hopkins University with funding from DARPA, may allow amputees to make much more sophisticated movements. (DARPA/JHUAPL/HDT Engineering Services)

A new generation of much more sophisticated and lifelike prosthetic arms, sponsored by DARPA, may be available within the next five to 10 years. Two different prototypes that move with the dexterity of a natural limb and can theoretically be controlled just as intuitively — with electrical signals recorded directly from the brain — are now beginning human tests.

The new designs have about 20 degrees of independent motion, a significant leap over existing prostheses (with just two or three) and they can be operated via a variety of interfaces. One device, developed by DEKA Research and Development, can be consciously controlled using a system of levers in a shoe to pick up boxes, operate a drill, and even use chopsticks.