“A Russian technology and robotics firm asserts successful drone control using pure ‘brain impulses’ without reliance on electronic commands. Referred to colloquially as ‘thought control,’ this technology incorporates a ‘neural interface’ that interprets brain waves, translating them into electronic commands.”
The Neurobotics company embarked on an academic initiative to attract more students and investments in the fields of robotics sciences and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This effort aligns with a broader government agenda aimed at fostering self-sufficiency in drone technology within the government-run and domestic robotics technology sector.
The impetus for this initiative arose following the revelation of Russia’s industrial and technological limitations in the UAV sector during the early months of the 2022 Ukraine war. In response, both state-owned and private enterprises have introduced a range of cost-effective and advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military purposes, alongside a variety of remotely piloted aircraft designed for civilian applications.
To further catalyze Moscow’s drone sector, a series of measures have been implemented, including regular industry conferences, workshops, exhibitions, engagements with universities and technology students, hackathons, and competitions among engineering students.
The message highlights the potential benefits for pilots in enhancing concentration skills and facilitating rapid recovery through neurocontrol of drones, as conveyed by Vladimir Konyshev, General Director of Neurobotics and a member of the NTI Neuronet Working Group. Neurocontrol of drones is deemed fundamental in STEM studies, bridging disciplines such as neuroscience, mechatronics, aeronautical engineering, software programming, and even sports medicine.
This interdisciplinary approach becomes particularly relevant for individuals facing nerve-related challenges, such as injured athletes, disabled persons, amputees, and those undergoing physiotherapy. Neural interface technologies aim to enhance the functionality of nerves connecting the brain and limbs, holding promise for addressing medical issues linked to the nervous system, including paralysis and nerve damage.
Collaborating with Geoscan, plans are underway to organize competitions in the Russian Federation, with aspirations for international recognition. The combined technology not only improves pilot concentration and attention but also imparts skills to manage stress and control emotions during intricate operations. This, as Konyshev emphasizes, is a crucial tool for training operators involved in critical processes.
General Director of Geoscan, Alexey Yuretsky, adds that integrating drones with a neural interface opens avenues for inclusivity, enabling disabled individuals unable to physically operate drones to participate in competitions, thereby fostering a more inclusive environment.
Not Currently Employed for Military Purposes
The purpose of the invention’s application remains uncertain regarding military use. Insights from prominent Russian Telegram groups dedicated to robotics and technology suggest it is a privately funded civilian initiative, involving collaboration between industry and academia. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that the Russian Ministry of Defense (RuMoD) may show interest at a later stage as the technology progresses.
While this isn’t the inaugural instance of employing neural interfaces for UAV operation, a 17-second video from Mirai Innovation demonstrates a sizeable quadcopter connected to a neural interface worn by an individual, lifting off and briefly landing on a table.
In the Neurobotics-Geoscan-NTI experiment in Russia, the UAV appears notably smaller, and the test unfolds in an open environment. Strikingly, no visible wires link the neural interface encircling the person’s forehead to the compact drone.