# Cyberpunk Chimpanzees The BMB Interface Could Lead to a New Digital Reality By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-10-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bmb-interface References: [io9](http://io9.com/5846275/biotech-breakthrough-monkeys-can-feel-virtual-objects-using-a-brain-implant) & [nature](http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature10489.html) As an avid follower of Singularity themed news, I can comfortably declare that I’ve never paid such close attention to a tech development as with the [BMB](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gallery-of-hope) Interface! The device has been successfully tested on human's genetic relatives and promises to propel humanity into a world where ‘reality’ is ubiquitously questioned. But let’s back up: The BMB (Brain-Machine-Brain) Interface is a bi-directional chip that, when implanted into one’s brain, will allow you to not only manipulate virtual objects, but feel them as well! In a test conducted by the [Duke University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ollie) researchers behind the BMBI, ‘upgraded’ lab chimps were tasked with sorting virtual objects by texture. Using their minds exclusively, the chimpanzees controlled virtual avatars and felt the objects one-by-one, eventually organizing them from smoothest to roughest. Allow me to stress this detail: These objects only exist in a virtual environment…on a computer. This technology only serves to advance prosthesis and will help quadrapalegics eventually [feel their environment](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-bionic-hand). But for now, I’m happy imagining the tactile holodecks the BMB Interface will lead to! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Virtual Object Manipulation:** The BMB Interface allows users to manipulate and feel virtual objects, creating new possibilities for virtual reality experiences. - **Tactile Holodecks:** The BMB Interface opens the door to the development of immersive virtual environments where users can not only see but also touch and feel objects. - **Advanced Prosthesis:** The BMB Interface technology has the potential to enhance prosthetic devices, allowing amputees to regain a sense of touch and feel. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Virtual Reality:** The BMB Interface aligns with the virtual reality industry by revolutionizing the way users interact with virtual objects. - **Healthcare:** The BMB Interface has applications in healthcare, specifically in the development of improved prosthetic technologies for amputees. - **Entertainment:** The BMB Interface can revolutionize the entertainment industry by creating more immersive and realistic virtual experiences for users. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Soft Brain-Computer Interface Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braincomputer-interface.md) - [Human-Computer Interaction Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tech-at-meta.md) - [Tactile Bare-Hands Metaverse Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emerge.md) - [Electric Pulsed Brain Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inner-cosmos.md) - [Scalable Brain-Computer Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braincomputer-interfaces.md) - [AI-Enabled Brain Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/northwell-health.md) - [Bionic Knee Prostheses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/httpswwwmediamitedu.md) - [Brainwave-Connected Tech Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myndplay-myndhub.md) - [Wearable Metaverse Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snap-spectacle.md)