Scientists Discover How to ‘Upload Knowledge to Your Brain’

Feeding knowledge directly into your brain, just like in sci-fi classic The Matrix, could soon take as much effort as falling asleep, scientists believe. Researchers claim to have developed a simulator which can feed information directly into a person’s brain and teach them new skills in a shorter amount of time, comparing it to “life imitating art”.

They believe it could be the first steps in developing advanced software that will make Matrix-style instant learning a reality. In the neo-noir sci-fi classic, protagonist Neo is able to learn kung fu in seconds after the martial art is ‘uploaded’ straight to his brain.

Researchers from HRL Laboratories, based in California, say they have found a way to amplify learning, only on a much smaller scale than seen in the Hollywood film. They studied the electric signals in the brain of a trained pilot and then fed the data into novice subjects as they learned to pilot an aeroplane in a realistic flight simulator.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, found that subjects who received brain stimulation via electrode-embedded head caps improved their piloting abilities and learnt the task 33 per cent better than a placebo group.

Source: Scientists Discover How to ‘Upload Knowledge to Your Brain’ | Sci-Tech Universe

Panasonic Assist Suit: Robot exoskeleton aids factory workers, nurses and care workers

 

To Panasonic, the future is all about robotic exoskeleton suits, as evidenced by a new video that showcases three different types of suits aimed at making life much easier for people working in a range of different industries.In July 2015, IBTimes UK reported that Activelink, the robot development arm of Panasonic, was planning to mass produce a huge robot exoskeleton suit called the Power Loader, which resembles the Power Loader exoskeleton suit featured in the Alien films.It works by strapping around the user’s shoulder, waist and one thigh, with four embedded sensors that send signals to 20 engines in the suit to automatically move to reduce the energy the human needs to use in order to lift a heavy object and decrease the amount of stress placed on the lower back.Now, in addition to that suit, Panasonic has showcased a much smaller exoskeleton featuring a lime green steel structure with purple plastic back and hip gear components that strap on to enable workers to easily lift heavy objects in a factory, known as the Power Assist Suit AWN-03. The suit reduces stress on the lower back and can reduce weight by up to 15kg, features automatic assist mechanism and has a battery life of eight hours.Then there is the sleek metallic red PLN-01 “Ninja” exoskeleton suit, which is designed for workers and sportsmen who need to trek up steep, uneven terrain like mountain trails. This suit features power sensors at the soles of the feet and two motors at the lower back to help people walk more easily. Panasonic also says that it is currently working on an upper-body unit to help people lift large weights of at least 24 kg.

Source: Panasonic Assist Suit: Robot exoskeleton aids factory workers, nurses and care workers