Bionic Limb Controlled by Monkey

Neat. [Link]

His macaques controlled a robotic arm that moved at the shoulder and elbow and could clench and open its hand.

To train the monkeys, the researchers first recorded their brain activity as they controlled the robotic arm with a joystick. Once the monkeys had learned to feed themselves in this way, Schwarz's team secured their arms and made them rely on controlling the robot with their brain.

To avoid frustrating the animals during their first attempts, the researchers partially guided the robot themselves. Gradually, these training aids were dispensed with, and after three weeks the monkeys had mastered the robotic arm.

In tests where a monkey had to grab marshmallows or grapes and feed himself, one monkey succeeded 61% of the time, often reaching for another treat while still chewing on the last one. The animals manoeuvred the arm around obstacles and readjusted its path when researchers moved the food.