Just outside Tokyo, in their Advanced Research Laboratory, Hitachi Inc. recently discovered a new technology that could eventually let you control devices, such as a television remote control with your brain.

According to researchers at Hitachi Inc., their “’brain-machine interface’ analyzes slight changes in the brain’s blood flow and translates brain motion into electric signals.” The signals are linked to a mapping device that is connected to a cap that is worn on one’s head, which then is connected to the device that is to be controlled. In Hitachi’s demonstration of the device, Kei Utsugi, a researcher for the company, facilitated the trial on a reporter who was connected to the device who was to control a toy train set via a control computer and motor.

When Utsugi prompted the reporter to do a simple calculation in his head, the train sprang forward, indicating brain activity in the frontal cortex, which handles problem solving, according to Hitachi. When that portion of the brain is activated by doing sums, problem solving, or singing a song, the brain activity that results is what makes the train move, says Utsugi. Similarly, when the thinking stops and the brain activity is no longer present, the train stops.

The technology that is the basis for Hitachi’s “brain-machine interface” is called optical topography, which maps out changes in blood flow by sending a small amount of infrared light through the brain’s surface. Research in brain-machine interface technology was originally developed and sold for medical advancement; however, makers like Hitachi and Honda Motor Co. have been competing to manufacture a technology ideal for commercial use.

Since 2005, Hitachi has been selling their optical topography devices to help monitor brain activity in paralyzed patients who have lost all control of their muscles, helping them to indicate “yes” or “no” answers to simple questions, just based on their brain activity. Hitachi’s project leader, Hideaki Koizumi says that “we are thinking of various kinds of applications.” Thus, whether it is advancements in the medical or technological field, Hitachi hopes to make more discoveries in their research.

However, while Hitachi is revolutionary in their approach that surpasses earlier technologies by the US, eluding the need for sensors to physically enter the brain, this discovery marks just one step in the journey to a concrete commercial-ready innovation. One day, this technology could replace television remote controls and keyboards, and perhaps even help disabled people operate electric wheelchairs, beds, and artificial limbs.

For more information on brain-machine interfaces visit www.hitachi.com or www.worldhonda.com.