Using a computer these days is necessary for almost any sort of skilled labor. As a writer, if I find myself without my hands (say due to RSI), I’m paralyzed without being able to type. Natural language is light years away from being anything close to usable for intensive work. However, recently research has focused more on being able to control a computer using just brainwaves.

In many ways, controlling a computer using brainwaves is a more promising field of development than trying to control an actual mechanical device such as an arm. With the former, you need less research and hardware costs and once the basic principles are in place, the technique can be extended to controlling anything.

The latest research comes from Rhode Island where a group of researchers are working on a system called “Braingate” which consists of placing an implant into a subject’s brain and interpreting those signals to perform some activity. To summarize the goals neatly, it’s “Turning thought into action.” The pilot clinical trials were started on the 4th of June and are expected to be a breakthrough in neurotechnology.

Keep tuned to this blog for more as we continue to cover the latest developments as and when they happen in this exciting and ever changing field.