Wheelchair arm controlled by thought

Scientists at the University of South Florida have recently created a wheelchair with a mounted arm that is controlled by thought alone. The device is intended to help those with Amytrophic Lateral Scoliosis (ALS) or full bodied paralysis have the ability perform simple everyday activities that would usually be impossible. A researcher at USF Redwan Alqasemi says "We are not reading peoples thoughts" and also "This is the first time a person with a severe disabilities like ALS can perform daily activities for themselves." Over time people with ALS slowly lose the control over the muscles in their arms, legs and eventually all muscles in their bodies except for those around their eyes. Patients have completely functional brains but with their conditions they have no way of expressing their thoughts. EEG scans are on way that ALS patients can communicate with the outside world. Placing a cap filled with electrically conductive gel filled with electrodes on the head of ALS patients, scientists can monitor certain kinds of electrical impulses flowing through the brain. The scientists monitor a particular Brain wave called the P300 because it lasts a matter of a 1/3 of a second. Reading P300 waves is basically like reading a persons thoughts but in a very primitive way. The person in the wheel chair wearing the cap looks at small arrows flashing on a small monitor. When the arrow points the way the user wants the arm or wheelchair to move their brain waves triggers or "lights up the EEG". The process is not an instant activity, it takes about seven seconds for the arrows to flash across the screen. The robotic arm continues to move in the direction until a new command is received. The arm has a pay load of about four pounds at this time which is equivalent to about a jug of milk. The scientists are working on a new model to increase speed, payload and cut down on weight. Reading P300 brain waves is effective because it does not require much brain power or practice. According to Gizmodo.com "Donchin and colleagues harnessed the P300 brain signal to allow the user to "type" on a virtual keyboard by thinking with the P300 response serving at the virtual "finger" for patients." I believe the new wheel chair is very productive and great for those with disabilities. The P300 brain wave seems to be very reliable and could ultimately lead to more helpful technologies for those with disabilities. I am interested to see what else scientists can do with the technology to create more inventions to help mankind. 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29430690/

http://gizmodo.com/5150632/smart-wheelchair-features-a-brain+controlled-robotic-arm