# Monkey Thoughts Control Robots Cognitive Powers of Apes for Tech By Going Like Sixty | Published 2008-01-18 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advancements-in-robotics-controls-monkey-thinks-robot-acts References: [nytimes](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/15/science/15robo.html?ex=1201150800&en=b5ef42933a1e1201&ei=5070&emc=eta1) Dig out your copy of Planet of the Apes or [Netflix](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mind-ordering-app) it, because monkeys are operating robots. A 12-pound monkey in North Carolina activated a 200 pound robot to walk on a treadmill using only brain activity. It was the first time this had occurred. The [Duke University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wagyu-feast) lab team proved that monkeys could use their thoughts to control mechanical/electronic devices. **Implications** - These types of monkey experiments are what Dr. Nicolelis from Duke University calls, "The first steps toward a [brain machine interface](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/think2switch) that might permit paralyzed people to walk by directing devices with their thoughts." The featured video shows how the experiment works and what the results could mean for the future. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/pets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Brain-machine Interface:** Exploring the use of brain activity to control mechanical devices, opening up possibilities for paralyzed individuals. - **Cognitive Robotics:** Harnessing the cognitive powers of animals, such as monkeys, to enhance the capabilities of robots. - **Neurotechnology:** Advancements in technology that integrate with the human brain, enabling control over mechanical and electronic devices. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Healthcare:** Integrating brain-machine interfaces to develop assistive technologies for individuals with paralysis. - **Robotics:** Incorporating cognitive abilities derived from animals into robots to improve their functionality and responsiveness. - **Neuroscience:** Studying the brain and its cognitive capabilities to develop innovative neurotechnologies for various applications. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Surgically-Implanted Brain Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neuralinks.md) - [Remote-Controlled Humanoid Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mimi-humanoid-robot.md) - [Mind-Controlled Artificial Arms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-prosthetic-arm.md) - [AI-Enabled Walking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optimus-robot.md) - [Brainwave-Connected Tech Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myndplay-myndhub.md) - [AI-Enabled Brain Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/northwell-health.md) - [Human Reasoning-Capable Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/palm-saycan.md) - [AI-Powered Robot Arms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-of-edinburgh.md) - [Mind-Controlled Smart Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/migu-headband.md)