Honda robot steered by thought
April 7, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Honda has today unveiled the world’s first Brain Machine Interface (BMI) system that allows a person to control a robot through thought alone.
This joint project between Honda Research Institute Japan Co. Ltd, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) and Shimadzu Corporation, builds on previous work revealed three years ago.
The technology measures the brain’s electrical activity using electroencephalography (EEG) and blood flow using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to produce data that is then interpreted into control information.
As a result, the system can distinguish brain activities with high precision and without any physical motion.
Honda Australia’s Senior Director, Mr. Lindsay Smalley says this is another example of the diversity and breadth of Honda’s development of technology for the future.
“Honda is leading the world in technological advancements across several mobility industries. Since 2005, Honda and the ATR have been using BMI technology to explore the potential of a new interface which connects people and machines,” said Mr Smalley. “This technology will be further developed to be used with human-friendly products by integrating it with intelligent and robotic technologies”.
The BMI technology announced in 2006 used a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scanner to measure brain activities; however the large size and powerful magnetic field generated by the fMRI scanner limited the locations and conditions where it can be used.
The newly developed measuring device uses EEG and NIRS sensors and can be transported with ease and used in various locations. Test procedures with the new BMI have seen it achieve the world’s highest-level accuracy rate of more than 90 per cent.
Honda, ATR and Shimadzu Corporation are continuing to develop further enhancements on the BMI.
Source: Honda
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Yeah the last thing i want is something acting out what im thinking?? Keep all sharp objects out of the robots way when im thinking
I did see a documentary on something similar using primates. If they wanted to eat a banana attached to a robotic arm they had to ask for it using thought. Increasable stuff. I wonder what practical use could be made of this technology? Could we use it to drive a car? Turn on the TV? Or use the internet? Maybe we could use it to drive out PUMA electric vehicle and fetch some fast food?
Honda can build a brain interface machine,Toyota can’t even build RWD.Just had to be said.
Phill: What’s Lexus then?
Dan da man is on fire !
This could be really handy on a cold, lonely friday evening….
And just for the record Phil, the first Toyota ever made (the A1) was front engine, rear wheel drive. I believe that was 1935. Not that I’m a toyota fanboy by any means, but egg and your face are in alignment.
My robot would be getting me a beer every 30 mins..
Tek – Technicly the Lexus is a toyota and RWD but and not a bad one either but if Toyota had wanted to call it a toyota THEY WOULD HAVE CALLED IT A TOYOTA,It don’t wear a Toyota badge.DAN LIVE IN THE PAST WITH YOUR TOYOTA RWD LOVIN.Look at the week ones back slap Dan,HAHA
I should have said Weaker
Oi , Ive just realised the guy sitting down is wearing a pair of crocs…hahaaha what the go with that ?
Dan – Can you direct me to were I can Buy a brand new RWD car with a toyota badge please.
Phill why would you want to?
Yea Ill agree I give it to Toyota a bit to much,but i never had a dislike for them until i came to this site,so i shall refrane for bagging them as much.Unless it warranted.
Phill Says:
April 7th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Dan – “Can you direct me to were I can Buy a brand new RWD car with a toyota badge please.”
Sure get yourself a 2wd hilux, a 70’s series landcruiser (and don’t engage the 4wd), or a HI-ACE.
Or even better get yourself a fulltime 4wd, or a AWD!!
Toyota probably forgot more about RWD, then Ford or Holden ever knew!! ;-)
Tomas79 – HA HA HA
Tomas79 – Still laughing.
Tomas,
Buying A RWD Hilux to escape the poor handlings of FWD cars is meant to be a solution, then i am Walt Disney
Soryy guys but couldn’t resist having a cheap shot! But why is it when the non supporters call a Lexus a mere Toyota thye gat howled down yet when it suits, the faithfull can??? But either way I don’t care
If honda build this don’t go anywhere near the gold coast in summer unless you want to be on all sorts of charges :-)
On the picture,has any one seen the movie Walli.HaHa
Wouldn’t want one of those at work, poors girls would only get worst thoughts.
Regarding toyotas – how a about a FWD diesel wagon. Aaah thought not Thomas
Frontman: Haha, I think the problem is detractors call Lexus “mere” Toyotas… they are premium Toyotas!
Phill: So technically it is a Toyota but technically it isn’t?
I love how every thread turns into a Toyota thread. Still, it’s better than discussing boring Hondas :)
Why is this news on Car Advice? Unless the robot is going to be the chauffeur for you.
And just for the info: this technology is neither new nor Honda’s innovation.
Andrew M,
Who the hell was talking about handling?
Cupid Stunt says
“Regarding toyotas – how a about a FWD diesel wagon. Aaah thought not Thomas”
So whats a d4d Toyota Avensis Kombi then? Not too bright hey?
Ever hear about the m@asturbating robot ?
It pulled itself to bits.
The Holden robot? It just fell to bits.