Comments for "Remote Control Rat" Video at VideoSift.com

By gluonium

gluonium (http://www.videosift.com/member/gluonium) — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 21:36:26 -0700

ha. they're using labview.

By Fletch

Fletch (http://fletch.videosift.com) — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 22:03:56 -0700

Interesting, but it isn't really "thought" control as some may assume. I mean, the rat doesn't think "I think I'll turn left now". He just feels a tug on the left whisker (or whatever sensation it produces) and he has learned that turning left when he senses that tug feels really good. Not dissing it or anything, as the science necessary to tune into the specific pathways and manipulate those sensations in a rodent brain is pretty incredible, but I could get the same results from Fido with a doggie whistle and a remote-controlled bacon dispenser.

By bamdrew

bamdrew (http://www.videosift.com/member/bamdrew) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 00:28:15 -0700

Excellent point, Fletch.

Dr. Jose M. R. Delgado used this same technique in 1965 (seriously) to direct a bull away from charging at him. A considerably more dynamic demonstration, if you ask me.

(nytimes article from may 17th, 1965)
http://www.wireheading.com/matador.html

... and everyone uses labview, gluonium. and matlab... oooh matlab...

By ant

ant (http://www.videosift.com/member/ant) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 18:04:44 -0700

That looks like a Borg rat.