A genetic condition has left Jen Scheuermann paralyzed since 2003 , but revolutionary new technology is allowing her the ability to feed herself chocolate , give high fives and even fly a fighter jet . Last week , the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency ( known as DARPA ) , unveiled the amazing results of a two-year experiment involving the 55-year-old quadriplegic woman , which they carried out in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center . Scheuermann agreed to let the super-secretive agency surgically implant pea-sized probes into her brain as they sought a way to turn her thought to actions . Scroll down for video . Revolutionary : Jen Sheuermann ( right ) , who suffers from quadriplegia , is now able to move a robotic arm thanks to technology being developed by DARPA . Amazing : DARPA implanted two pea-sized probes into Sheuermann 's brain two years ago to find a way to turn her thoughts into actions - like feeding herself a bar of chocolate . The experiment was a success as the research team was able to successfully translate Scheuermann 's brain movements to a robotic arm , which was then able to move on her behalf to move a chocolate bar to her mouth and make gestures like a thumbs up . In addition to moving a robotic arm , Scheuermann was also able to experience piloting a plane with the same technology . The research team let Scheuermann connect to a flight simulator , where she had amazing results flying an F-35 jet and Cessna airplane not with a joystick - but with her thoughts alone . While the results give hope to anyone who suffers from limited mobility , they also draw up questions about whether the technology could be used for destructive purposes - such as soldiers controlling surrogate versions with their minds , out of combat . The ability to fly : Researchers also found a way to hook Scheuermann up to a flight simulator , and she was able to use the device to fly a F-35 and Cessna with her mind . 'In doing that work , we can now see the future where we can free the brain from the limitations of the human body , ' DARPA Director Arati Prabhakar said at the New America Foundation forum in Washington last week . 'We can only imagine amazing good things and amazing potentially bad things that are on the other side of that door . ' While the research was initially aimed at helping soldiers with motor problems , Prabhakar says they will continue to look into other ways it can be used in the military . 'We do n't want to only go play in the safe places . That would be a violation of our mission , ' Prabhakar said . The future : The breakthrough technology brings hope to those who suffer from limited mobility .
Jen Scheuermann agreed to undergo procedure to implant two pea-sized lobes into her brain for DARPA military research project . The lobes now allow her to operate a robotic arm and pilot a plane using a flight simulator . Technology brings hope to others struggling with limited mobility . Score: 7