Fish-brained robot at Science Museum

Lamprey brain research could lead to improved prosthetics
Image: Prof Sandro Mussa-Ivaldi

A robot that is controlled by the brain of a fish has gone on display at the Science Museum, London, UK.

Sensors mounted on the machine send "visual" signals to the lamprey's brain which, in turn, transmits instructions to the robot's motors.

This is trespassing on nature but ... it's worth it if it leads to new knowledge and better prosthetic limbs

Prof Sandro Mussa-Ivaldi

The part of the brain used in the experiment normally keeps the lamprey upright in the water. When connected up correctly, the organ can guide the robot towards a light source.

Scientists at Northwestern University, Chicago, US, developed the system to study how human and animal brains control movement. The intention of this, and similar, research is to learn lessons that will aid the development of better artificial limbs.

Professor Sandro Mussa-Ivaldi, whose team developed the fish-machine interface, said: "This is trespassing on nature but scientists do that all the time. It's worth it if it leads to new knowledge and better prosthetic limbs."

Researchers believe that in the future robotic arms and legs will be wired directly into, and controlled by, the brains of individuals whose own limbs have been lost because of accident or disease.

Internet connection

This month, researchers showed how a robotic arm could move in three dimensions and in real time using the brain signals of an owl monkey.

The movements in the machine mimicked those of the animal's own arm as it reached for food on a tray.

The robot moves towards a light source
Image: K-Team

The brain signals were even sent over a standard internet connection to drive a second robot arm in a different laboratory.

Scientists have also wired a mechanical water feeder into the brain of a rat. At first, the animal would move the device towards its mouth by pushing a lever. But eventually, the rodent learnt how to bring the feeder closer by merely willing it to happen.

The Science Museum display features a robot and lamprey similar to the ones used in the Chicago research. It also includes a video of the robot in action.

The display is part of the Antenna exhibition in the museum's new Wellcome Wing. Antenna is updated on a monthly, weekly and even daily basis, presenting the very latest science and technology news to museum visitors.