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It’s science fiction meets weird science meets reality. Researchers at the University of Reading have developed a cyborg of types, called Gordon. Gordon is a robot that is driven by real brain tissue.
Researchers teased out brain tissue from rat embryos for the brain. The brains reside in a multi electrode array (MEA). Researchers explain that this multi electrode array “is a dish with approximately 60 electrodes which pick up the electrical signals generated by the cells. This is then used to drive the movement of the robot. Every time the robot nears an object, signals are directed to stimulate the brain by means of the electrodes. In response, the brain’s output is used to drive the wheels of the robot, left and right, so that it moves around in an attempt to avoid hitting objects. The robot has no additional control from a human or a computer, its sole means of control is from its own brain.”
In this way, they are hoping to create a good feedback loop that allows for learning. But the ultimate goal of the research is to understand how memories work. They are hoping that they can “see” memory brain function once the robot returns to a previous location. They are hoping that this type of controlled experimentation will help them understand degenerative brain ailments. Because the brain is such a complicated organ, researchers are using this method to be able to look one the neuronal level of function.
Researchers have different brain modules that they can switch into the robot. They have found different temperaments in the brain tissues. Some are more pliable and some more resistant to coaxing. The results should prove fascinating.
This experiment highlights the continuing blurring line between machine and man. Bionics, cyborgism, and peripheral perception aids continue to gain momentum and technological impressiveness. What will the next 50 years hold?
Source: University of Reading
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