UMD Brain Cap Technology Turns Thought into Motion
From: UMD Newsdesk - 07/27/2011
By: Lee Tune 

University of Maryland (UMD) researchers have developed a noninvasive,
sensor-lined cap with neural interface software that could be used to control
computers, robotic prosthetic limbs, motorized wheelchairs, and digital
avatars. "We are on track to develop, test, and make available to the public
- within the next few years - a safe, reliable, noninvasive brain computer
interface that can bring life-changing technology to millions of people whose
ability to move has been diminished due to paralysis, stroke, or other injury
or illness," says UMD professor Jose L. Contreras-Vidal. The system uses
electroencephalography (EEG) to read brain waves and translate them into
commands for computers devices. The researchers have demonstrated that the
technology could reconstruct the complex three-dimensional movements of the
ankle, knee, and hip joints during human treadmill walking and enable users
to control a computer cursor with their thoughts. UMD doctoral student
Alessandro Presacco says the "EEG signals can be used to study the cortical
dynamics of walking and to develop brain-machine interfaces aimed at
restoring human gait function." The researchers also are working with Rice
University, the University of Michigan, and Drexel University to develop a
prosthetic arm that amputees can control directly with their brain. 

Read the entire article and view a video at:
http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/scitech/release.cfm?ArticleID=2475

Links:
Jose L. Contreras-Vidal
http://www.sph.umd.edu/KNES/faculty/jcontrerasvidal/

Neural decoding of treadmill walking from non-invasive, 2 electroencephalographic (EEG) signals
http://jn.physiology.org/content/early/2011/07/11/jn.00104.2011.full.pdf+html

3-D hand motions inspire portable prosthetic devices
http://www.science20.com/news_articles/3d_hand_motions_inspire_portable_prosthetic_devices

Researchers aim for 'direct brain control' of prosthetic arms (video)
http://www.media.rice.edu/media/NewsBot.asp?MODE=VIEW&ID=15983

Debut: Fraunhofer Brain-Controlled Robot Arm
http://www.science20.com/news_account/debut_fraunhofer_brain_controlled_robot_arm