Thursday, March 28, 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

    23-Year-Old Sikh Man Gurvinder Grewal Denied Entry In New York Restaurant For Wearing Turban

    A Sikh youth has claimed that a bar in New York's Long Island didn't let him enter because he was wearing a turban.

    23-Year-Old Sikh Man Gurvinder Grewal Denied Entry In New York Restaurant For Wearing Turban

    Two Indian-American Sikh Men Killed In US Car Crash, Another Injured

    Authorities on Thursday identified the victims as Davneet S. Chahal, 22, and Varundeep S. Bring, 19, both from Fishers city, the American Bazaar reported.

    Two Indian-American Sikh Men Killed In US Car Crash, Another Injured

    Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Approves Guru Nanak Anniversary Coins, Stamps

    A Pakistan Sikh committee has approved the design for the commemorative coins and postage stamps which will mark Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary in November, according to a media report.    

    Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Approves Guru Nanak Anniversary Coins, Stamps

    Donald Trump To Propose Merit-Based Immigration System

    Brainchild of Trump’s son-in-law, Jarred Kushner, the new plan primarily focuses on strengthening border security and revamping the system of Green Card or legal permanent 

    Donald Trump To Propose Merit-Based Immigration System

    Radha Soami Satsang Beas Wins 5-Year-Old Court Battle To Build Spiritual And Meditation Centre Centre In Australia

    The State Administration Tribunal passed the order last week allowing the Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB), Australia, to construct a spiritual and meditation centre, The West Australian reported on Thursday.

    Radha Soami Satsang Beas Wins 5-Year-Old Court Battle To Build Spiritual And Meditation Centre Centre In Australia

    Indian Man Charged In UAE For Assaulting Compatriot Woman; Leaving Permanent Injury

    The incident happened on March 24 last year when the accused visited the 36-year-old victim's home and had a quarrel, the Khaleej Times reported on Wednesday.

    Indian Man Charged In UAE For Assaulting Compatriot Woman; Leaving Permanent Injury