Brain-machine interface researchers at the University of Tokyo were apparently successful at combining rat and machine, creating the RatCar. Using embedded electrodes and a training procedure, they were reportedly able to teach a number of rats to control their robotic carts using only thought. They hope to use this research to help enable paralyzed people to regain some mobility.
I’m just glad they aren’t using giant rodents like the ones in the coches rata:
[via neatorama]
8 thoughts on “Scientists merge rat, car, to create Ratcar”
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Ummm, that’s not the rat’s exposed brain, is it? CREEPY.
To implant electrodes, one shaves the top of the rodent’s head. You’re looking at a patch of the rat’s bare scalp. That’s why it’s grayish-white. The living brain is red from all the blood vessels, and exposing that to a nonsterile environment would pretty much guarantee a nasty infection.
Next up, birdplane!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ys5GuiFJYo
http://www.physorg.com/news174812133.html
I was highly entertained to read about the project through their ad for graduate researchers in the building elevator.
“Do you like programming microprocessors? Like large beetles?”…
Well, I’m paraphrasing, but it’s always fun roaming the halls and finding out what folks are doing.