Mind-control car project is go

As the world careens head-first towards a future involving driverless cars, a small Chinese research team is experimenting with a hands-free driving system that keeps humans in charge but uses thoughts to control the car.

As zany as it sounds, the Chinese team of scientists has demonstrated a working prototype, which was originally aimed at giving disabled people the ability to drive.

The project is in its infancy but its potential is almost limitless and it could have ramifications for many other human-machine interfaces in future, from computers to machinery, robots and more.

According to Reuters, the Chinese research team based out of the Nankai University in Tianjin, led by Professor Duan Feng, has taken two years to develop software technology that uses brain signals to accelerate, stop and even un/lock a vehicle.

Simply put, the driver 'thinks' about going forward and the car responds., as demonstrated in a Haval H9 luxury SUV that can currently only drive in a straight line.

Professor Feng's team has proved that a car can be operated by the mind, using 16 sensors that interpret electroencephalogram or EEG signals from the driver's brain, and explains how it benefit motorists.

"There are two starting points of this project," Professor Duan told Reuters. "The first one is to provide a driving method without using hands or feet for the disabled who are unable to move freely; and secondly, to provide healthy people with a new and more intellectualised driving mode.

Almost every mainstream and luxury manufacturer is developing autonomous vehicle technologies, which are seen as a panacea to safer and less congested roads, and Tesla appears to be leading the way at present via its innovative car software updating system.

But as Feng explains, his system could augment the fully autonomous car concept.

"Driverless cars' further development can bring more benefits to us, since we can better realise functions relating to brain controlling with the help of the driverless cars' platform.

"In the end, cars - whether driverless or not - and machines are serving for people. Under such circumstances, people's intentions must be recognised. In our project, it makes the cars better serve human beings," Feng said.

Brain-computer interface technology isn't new. In 2011 Parlee Cycles, as part of the Toyota Prius X project, created a bicycle that can shift gears with just a thought (see video below), and German researchers produced a car that can slam the brakes on before your nervous system can actually trigger the muscles in your foot.

What are your thoughts on this idea? Would mind-pairing with an autonomous car be a good idea to make quick decisions, especially those that could be life-threating?

Have your say below.