Control the computer with thoughts

British scientists are developing a " telepathy " chip that can help people use their thoughts to control computers, TVs and electrical switches.

The chip is the invention of Jon Spratley, a 28-year-old doctor in Stevenage, England. He is currently working for 42 Technology Company.

(Artwork: Getty Images)

Dr. Spratley's invention is such a small sensor that one can put it into the brain with needles. After lying on the surface of the brain it receives electrical signals from nerve cells and transmits them to a receiver attached to the computer. Neural signals will control a cursor on a computer screen to operate electronic devices or operate an electric wheelchair.

'Our chips allow people with disabilities to control computers with thoughts. For example, if they imagine that their muscles are moving, that thought will turn on the light switch. This field has been studied by many scientists in the US, but so far they have only used wired sensors. Our chips use wireless signaling technology, which eliminates the risk of infection. My ultimate goal is to help disabled or paralyzed people communicate with this chip , 'Spratley told the Daily Mail.

According to Spratley, users on the device will control the computer through seven commands. The computer can then control electronic devices and electric wheelchairs.

Daily Mail said, Spratley and his colleagues have not tested chips on humans or live animals. However, tests on animal brain slices produced good results. Currently the research team is seeking funding to be able to test on the human body.

Earlier this year, Japanese scientists announced a wheelchair capable of operating through brain waves. Users use a cap to attach electrodes to monitor brain activity. A group of other Japanese experts also successfully created thought-controlled machine arms. In tests, monkeys controlled the machine arm to feed food into their mouths.