Coming soon: a mind-reading machine

Scientists in Japan claim to be developing a new generation machine which could read a user’s mind and respond to their wishes automatically.

The device would use advanced versions of existing brain-machine interface technology and would allow a person to change a television channel by thinking or send a text message composed through thought, say the scientists.

“We already have BMI machines through which an operator can make a robot carry out an action, such as moving an arm or lifting a leg. We also have technology for a person to think of a number and that number be recorded by machine.

“The challenge now is to simplify the existing systems and make the equipment smaller before it can be made commercially available,” said Tomoo Yamauchi, Director of the Research and Development at Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

 The technology uses sensors within a helmet to monitor a person’s brain waves and the flow of blood in the brain that is stimulated by thought. By identifying the person’s wish, the robot can then carry out the action.
Source - The Daily Telegraph