Unfortunately, these devices are very limited in terms of what they’re able to control. Seen as a technological breakthrough , researchers at Duke University have developed a wireless brain - machine - interface ( BMI ) that allowed a rhesus monkey to control a robotic wheelchair by its thoughts via flexible hair - like structures that adhere to the brain tissue . By showing that the monkey 's brain accepted the device as part of its own body , the researchers are confident that they can develop brain - based robotic ##s and other kinds of devices for the severely disabled .
Seen as a technological breakthrough , researchers at Duke University have developed a wireless brain - machine - interface ( BMI ) that allowed a rhesus monkey to control a robotic wheelchair by its thoughts via flexible hair - like structures that adhere to the brain tissue . By showing that the monkey 's brain accepted the device as part of its own body , the researchers are confident that they can develop brain - based robotic ##s and other kinds of devices for the severely disabled .