March 12, 2015 8.30 am This story is over 116 months old

Lincoln technology expert brings mind-control gadget to The One Show

Television appearance: An academic from the University of Lincoln appeared on The One Show to discuss his research into quadrocopters.

A leading academic from the University of Lincoln appeared on BBC One’s The One Show to discuss his research into mind-controlled quadrocopters.

Dr John Murray, from the School of Computer Science, explained how the technology could help those unable to do basic daily tasks, such as people with certain disabilities.

He told the show on March 10: “What we’re trying to do at the University of Lincoln is to find new, intuitive ways of helping people control devices that they may have been able to control at one time, but have lost the use of their hands, their legs, the rest of their body – but still have their minds.”

Dr John Murray from the School of Computer Science at the University of Lincoln. Screenshot from the BBC One Show

Dr John Murray from the School of Computer Science at the University of Lincoln. Screenshot from The One Show

The technology allows the user to lift the quadrocopter off the ground, using brainwaves detected by a sensor in the headpiece.

To lift the quadrocopter, the person has to regulate their heartbeat and keep focused, which as The One Show presenter Alex Jones demonstrated, is easier said than done under pressure.

At the moment, the research is still in its early stages.

The One Show presenters plus Rafe Spall with the quadrocopter. Courtesy of The One Show

The One Show presenters plus Rafe Spall with the quadrocopter. Courtesy of The One Show

The episode can be watched on BBC’s iPlayer service. Dr Murray appears 22 minutes in.