Bioengineers have created a "psychic robot" that can see what humans
intend to do even if they don't do it. The robot uses an algorithm that
could eventually power cars and prosthetics of the future -- allowing
them to understand what their owners are trying to do with them, even if
they get stopped mid-way.
Explaining the rationale behind his successful invention, lead author Justin Horowitz said the robot uses a mathematical algorithm to understand intent, and not actual movement -- so it doesn't matter if someone stops doing something. "If you know how someone is moving and what the disturbance is, you can tell the underlying intent. We could use this algorithm to design machines that could correct the course of a swerving car or help a stroke patient with spasticity," he said.
The invention will allow robots to become much more understanding of humans by replicating the way we respond to events.
"Say you're reaching for a piece of paper and your hand is bumped mid-reach -- your eyes take time to adjust; your nerves and brain take time to process what has happened; and even more time to get a new signal to your hand, which may take a tenth of a second," Horowitz said.
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