"Brain-operated" Driving Technology Developed in Shanghai

    A thought-operated car driving system in a three-dimensional virtual environment has been successfully developed at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. This technology allows a vehicle to be controlled via a computer, using the imaginary thoughts of a human operator, instead of via a steering wheel or joystick. When movements are envisioned, different types of wave signals are generated in various regions of the brain. Upon receiving these signals, after an accurate analysis the computer can identify them and send command signals to control the vehicle.

    Thought-operated driving is only one possible application for this technology. The study will be able to help paralyzed individuals control external devices, including wheelchairs, computer mice and prosthetic limbs.