Coffee cup operated by robot

It is beyond the imagination of many people to think about how life would change if they were paralysed.

Strokes are not uncommon occurrences but they make an enormous difference to those who lose the use of their limbs.

There has been a recent news story, however, that shows how scientists are helping those who can no longer send the correct messages to their arms and legs to make them move properly.

How does this work?

The clever scientists have created an electronic `gate’ into the brain of those who are unable to move their own limbs, which effectively allows the individual to move a robotic arm via their thought processes.

The process of imagining the movement in the brain activates the robot.

One of the recent demonstrations of this procedure in motion showed the smile of delight cross the face of Cathy Hutchinson, as she managed to control the robot arm with her mind.

And what was the task that she set the robot?

To bring a cup of coffee up to her mouth, so that she could get a sip by drinking it through a straw.

The surgery that allowed this to take place involves the implanting of electrodes in the brain which control movement.

The motor cortex can then respond to imagined thoughts to put it into action.

Just imagine what the potential is in this area.

There is a possibility that this could make an enormous change to the lives of those in need.