Two paralyzed patients have been able to use the power of their mind to tell a robot to reach and grasp for items. The new study out of the National Institutes of Health finds the brain gate system helps patients paralyzed by stroke perform everyday tasks. A chip is implanted in the brain that monitors signals for movement -- software interprets the messages and sends them to a nearby robot. The patients were able to direct the robot to reach for a cup so they could drink, as well as move and grasp other items. The researchers say the technology is still several years away from practical use, but they are excited with these results. The patients were able to successfully perform the tasks about half of the time.
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