Human Arm-Controlling Robot of the Day: Researchers at French robotics lab LIRMM have created a prototype of a robot that uses electrodes to move a human arm.
The ‘bot is designed to help people suffering from paralysis and other disabilities regain the use of their motor skills. Instead of performing tasks on its own, it uses electrical currents to control the movements of a human’s hand and elbow.
So far, the robot has been able to coordinate some simple tasks, like putting a ball through a hoop.
Lead researcher Bruno Vilhena Adorno says this method is less expensive than a robotic arm, and the electrical stimulation has both physical and psychological benefits for patients.
As for the slightly creepy experience of having your arm controlled by a robot, Adorno says “you get used to it.”
[ieee]
