May 7, 2009, a day that some middle school students will not forget. A man who said we could control things with our mind visited the Chew Technology Center. Was he joking or talking about a Sci-Fi movie; is this another visual trick of Hollywood magic or will we now be able to move objects with our mind.
Jonathan Liu from Neurosky Technologies introduced the middle school students at MPI to this impressive new technology. Mr. Liu brought with him the NeuroSky MindSet. He told students that now they can begin harnessing the power of their minds with the NeuroSky MindSet headset. This Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) turns thoughts into actions, unlocking new worlds of interactivity. By measuring brain waves, the headset can send messages to computers --allowing man to control the computer with his thoughts.
The NeuroSky MindSet can be paired with video games, research devices or a number of other tools for an enhanced user experience. It has an EEG sensor which lays on the person's forehead. It measures the states of concentration and relaxation from the frontal lobe of the person's brain. These brainwaves or electronic signal are converted into different controls in a video game. In the demo game, NeuroBoy, students had the ability to levitate cars if they were able to relax their thoughts, and move objects closer or away from them with a single concentrated thought. In the game, students could become NeuroBoy, a gifted kid with mental super powers. Float, push, burn, and interact with the world using their mental might. Of course this is only the beginning of this new type of technology.
Soon using brainwaves will be developed into toys, video games, cell phones, computer apps, sports, learning and focus aids, stress reduction, accident prevention, emotional disorder aids, sleep detection, and military application. Stay tuned.
