A thought controlled robotic hand has been introduced by scientists from Kyoto, Japan. The technology uses functional magnetic resonance imaging to map out areas of the brain that are used to compute different tasks. Subjects were asked to make rock, paper, scissors hand gestures while lying inside an MRI scanner. The imaging data was then fed to a computer which could command the robotic hand to mimic the gestures.

A “mental typewriter” also debuted by Berlin Brain-Computer Interface in March. This machine employs an electrode cap through which while imagining cursor manoeuvres the subject can operate the computer’s movements by thought. Scientists hope the technology will someday allow paralysed people to operate computers. Both inventions aim to allow amputees to use electronically controlled artificial limbs.