Brain-computer interface allows monkeys to experience the Matrix and freely travel through the virtual forest

A recent brain-computer interface research has gone viral. Researchers have allowed monkeys to move freely in a virtual world relying only on their brains and thoughts, without relying on their hands and feet, just like in a science fiction movie. The research comes from the University of Leuven in Belgium,The team implanted brain-computer interface devices into three rhesus monkeys and then connected them to the VR forest scene. The monkey only needs to think about it to control the virtual avatar to navigate back and forth in the environment and switch between different tasks.

The entire process does not require any physical movement and is completely driven by brain signals. The system can read the monkey's movement intentions in real time and quickly convert them into movement instructions in the virtual space, allowing them to explore the virtual scene smoothly.

Most of the previous brain-computer interface experiments could only complete simple instructions, such as controlling a robotic arm to grasp or perform a single action.This time is different. The monkey can continuously navigate, change directions independently, and flexibly switch between multiple tasks, which is closer to real autonomous activities.

Researchers say this marks a sign that brain-computer interfaces are no longer just simple demonstrations in the laboratory, and are beginning to move in a more practical direction. In the future, if this technology matures, it can help people with paralysis regain their ability to move, control devices with their thoughts, and even communicate and act normally in the virtual world.

The experimental process was stable and reliable. The monkeys quickly adapted to the mind control method and became more and more proficient in the virtual forest. This also proves that the brain can quickly adapt to external devices and use the brain-computer interface as a natural part of the body.

This breakthrough not only brings science fiction scenes into reality, but also opens up new space for medical rehabilitation and neuroscience research.