Coming soon: A mind-reading machine!

Scientists in Japan claim to be developing a new generation machine which could read a user's mind and respond to their wishes automatically.

The device would use advanced versions of existing brain-machine interface technology and would allow a person to change a television channel by thinking or send a text message composed through thought, say the scientists.

"We already have BMI machines through which an operator can make a robot carry out an action, such as moving an arm or lifting a leg. We also have technology for a person to think of a number and that number be recorded by machine.

"The challenge now is to simplify the existing systems and make the equipment smaller before it can be made commercially available," said Tomoo Yamauchi, director of the research and development at ministry of internal affairs and communications, was quoted by The Daily Telegraph as saying.

Work on brain-machine interfaces dates back to the 1970s, but has taken off in recent years.

The technology uses sensors within a helmet to monitor a person's brain waves and the flow of blood in the brain that is stimulated by thought. By identifying the person's wish, the robot can then carry out the action.

Taking the technology a step further, the system would be able to sense when a person is too hot or cold and adjust the heating in a room, Yamauchi said.

There is even the possibility that a car navigation system in the future will be able to recognise the driver's hunger pangs and plot a course to the nearest restaurant, say the scientists.

"In the early stages of this technology, we believe that we will be able to help elderly people or the physically challenged, those with problems walking or using their hands. But to make a system that is commercially acceptable, we need to simplify the system dramatically," he said.