A ‘telepathy’ chip that allows people to control computers, televisions and light switches by the power of thought is being developed by British scientists. The idea was conceived by Dr. Jon Spratley while he was studying at the University of Birmingham.
This type of technology would allow disabled people such as Stephen Hawking to have more control over their environment. Link
From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by scaryman.
The tiny sensor would sit on the surface of the brain, picking up the electrical activity of nerve cells and passing the signal wirelessly to a receiver on the skull.
The signal would then be used to control a cursor on a computer screen, operate electronic gadgets or steer an electric wheelchair.
This type of technology would allow disabled people such as Stephen Hawking to have more control over their environment. Link
From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by scaryman.
But I think this sort of thing has been possible for a while already. Here's just one example from a while ago: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3186850.stm
2. Park self in front of TV.
3. Turn brain off.
So a human turning on and off a TV with a thought = monkey controlled robot arm?
Sure, this is rooted in the same type of technology, but I don't see how we should discard knowing about it just because of a linked similarity and a different application of it. I think it's neat.
1. Use brain to turn TV on.
2. Park self in front of TV.
3. Use TV to turn brain off.
The key difference seems to be how the electrode sends the signal back to the receiver- because this new one is wireless, the brain is less open to infection after implantation.
What an inappropriate thing to say! I hope someone can acknowledge the fowl here.
And it could be used for more than turning on your TV, BTW. All sorts of appliance, for one. And not just on and off - control thermostat, unlock car door, and eventually... send text messages... :P