The monkeys were first trained to use a joystick to control the arm, teaching their brain cells the process of retrieving the food. Electrodes were then inserted into their motor cortex and their limbs restrained in plastic tubes so that they would have to use the robotic arm to get the food. They quickly learned how to grasp the treats without knocking them over. The hope is to fine tune the technology to one day build an arm with which people will be able to bring a teacup to their lips or use a wrench to tighten a bolt. One practical limitation to the device is its lack of tactile feedback. The user has no way of knowing how tightly they may be gripping an object and runs the risk of crushing things without intending to. Still, the success of the experiments shows an unprecedented level of precision coming from this technology, which will only advance as the research continues. Via The Guardian
