Friday, March 29, 2024
ADVT 
International

Indian-Origin Scientist To Help Us Troops Control Robots With Thoughts

Darpan News Desk IANS, 22 May, 2019 07:48 PM

    An Indian-origin scientist and his team in the US have won a whopping USD 20 million contract from an agency of the defence department to develop a system that could allow a soldier to control multiple unmanned aerial vehicles or even a bomb disposal robot with his thoughts.


    The team headed by Gaurav Sharma, a senior research scientist at Battelle, is among six teams to win grants to develop brain-machine interfaces, according to a statement by the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).


    Sharma, 40, has been tasked to develop a system that could ultimately allow a soldier to put on a helmet and use his mind to control multiple unmanned aerial vehicles or even a bomb disposal robot, Battelle, a Columbus-based R&D organisation, said in a statement.


    Battelle's Next-Generation Nonsurgical Neurotechnology (N3) programme for a minimally invasive neural interface system, has been named 'BrainSTORMS' (Brain System to Transmit Or Receive Magnetoelectric Signals).


    BrainSTORMS involves the development of a novel nanotransducer that could be temporarily introduced into the body via injection and then directed to a specific area of the brain to help complete a task through communication with a helmet-based transceiver, the statement said.


    Upon completion, the nanotransducer will be magnetically guided out of the brain and into the bloodstream to be processed out of the body, it said.


    "This is one of the most exciting and challenging projects I have worked on," said Sharma.


    "With BrainSTORMS, we will again be pushing the limits engineering and physics. If successful, this technology would not only provide a safe and efficient way to facilitate human machine interactions but also has the potential to revolutionise the study of the nervous system," Sharma said.


    Battelle began the first phase of the programme with USD 2 million in funding to demonstrate the core concept of the technology. If the team's concept proves successful, Battelle will receive additional funding for the second and third phases of the programme, the statement said.


    The full contract is worth approximately USD 20 million over four years for the Battelle team.


    Sharma, was instrumental in development of a neuroprosthetic technology named NeuroLife which has enabled a quadriplegic man to move his hand again using his thoughts.


    Battelle has for years successfully demonstrated brain-computer interface (BCI) projects.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Bad News For Pak PM Imran Khan, No Oil And Gas Reserves Found Off Shore

    The drilling work at Kekra-1 well in deep sea near Karachi has been stopped after no oil or gas reservoir could be found, according to Special Assistant to Prime Minister Khan on Petroleum Nadeem Babar.

    Bad News For Pak PM Imran Khan, No Oil And Gas Reserves Found Off Shore

    London Mayor Calls For Preferential Norms For Indian Businesses, Students

    Sadiq Khan reiterated his "London is Open" message and attacked the UK government's hostile immigration policies as a barrier to increased investments and students coming from India into London.  

    London Mayor Calls For Preferential Norms For Indian Businesses, Students

    Sikhs Can Now Carry Kirpans In UK, A New Weapons Act Ensures

    The bill had been amended late last year to ensure that it would not impact the right 

    Sikhs Can Now Carry Kirpans In UK, A New Weapons Act Ensures

    Sikhs Upset With Gucci For Selling Turbans Online, And That Too At Exorbitant Price

    Gucci is facing backlash for selling several pricey designer turbans, with people accusing the luxury fashion brand of cultural appropriation.

    Sikhs Upset With Gucci For Selling Turbans Online, And That Too At Exorbitant Price

    My Dad Emigrated From Cuba Alone At 16, His Grit Is Inspiring: Jeff Bezos

    Mike Bezos, father of the richest man in the world, Jeff Bezos, was just 16 when he boarded a flight in Cuba for Miami, a city in Florida, US.

    My Dad Emigrated From Cuba Alone At 16, His Grit Is Inspiring: Jeff Bezos

    Indian-Origin Man In US Accused Of Wire Fraud Worth $98 Million

    Indian-Origin Man In US Accused Of Wire Fraud Worth $98 Million
    The man, Gopalkrishna Pai, disguised his involvement and use of over 100 companies formed to facilitate the processing of approximately $98 million in gross revenue.  

    Indian-Origin Man In US Accused Of Wire Fraud Worth $98 Million