Move Your Mouse With Your Brain, if You had Electrodes Sticking Out of Your Skull

I guess we’ve been working on alternative, or should I say, easier ways to manipulate computer technology since their conception. From keyboards with DOS interfaces that required you to remember various codes to more visually advanced UIs like Apple’s and Microsoft’s that used keyboards and mice, motion based control with systems like the Kinect, things have gotten more advanced. But what if you could negate the use of a keyboard and mouse as well and just use your brain? Now that would be something right?

The most powerful computer of all - Image source

A team of Washington University researchers, through a series of some rather questionable experiments managed to apparently get a human subject to move a PC’s mouse with their mind, a source listed. They implanted electrode infused rods into the subjects head with sensors - sitting on the surface of the brain. Using these ‘embedded’ rods and sensors, the subject could simply think of sounds - “ee,” “ah,” “oo,” and “eh” (weird choices I know) and manipulate the cursors movement on the screen without touching the mouse.

The idea is to create EEG (Electroencephalography) headgear that would affectively translate brain waves into commands. Though the ‘caps’ if you could call them that have been tried before, the guys in Washington believe that the implants would certainly be more accurate and work better. I’m not sure the whole world is ready for scientists to start shoving electrodes into our heads just yet though, nevertheless, it’s another step in direction of ultimate technology.