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| SPEAKER |
| Prof Kevin Warwick |
| Professor of Cybernetics |
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University of Reading
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MEETING
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June 2009 |
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| BIOGRAPHY |
Kevin Warwick is Professor of Cybernetics at the University of Reading, where he carries out research in artificial intelligence, control, robotics and cyborgs. He gained a PhD at Imperial College and held research posts at IC, Oxford, Newcastle and Warwick before being offered the Chair at Reading. Included in his many awards are a DSc from Imperial College and the Czech Academy of Sciences and Honorary Doctorates from Aston and Coventry Universities. He has The Future of Health Technology Award from MIT and is an Honorary Member of the Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg. He has published over 500 research papers and made it to the front cover of 'Wired'. His most recent 'cyborg experiment' is the invention of an intelligent deep brain stimulator to counteract the effects of Parkinson Disease tremors, shortly to be trialled in humans. Another project involves the use of cultured/biological neural networks to drive robots. He has pioneered the implantation of a neuro-surgical device into the median nerves of his left arm to link his nervous system directly to a computer to assess the latest technology for the disabled. He was successful with the first extra-sensory (ultrasonic) input for a human and with the first purely electronic telegraphic communication between the nervous systems of two humans.
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| TALK |
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The Cyborg Experiments
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| DESCRIPTION |
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The presentation looks at implant and electrode technology in robots and humans, with the emphasis on practical scientific studies that have been undertaken and reported on. It will recount areas in which such technology has already had a profound effect. A key element is the need for a clear interface linking a biological brain directly with computer technology, using electrode technology to connect with the cerebral cortex and/or nervous system. The presentation will consider the future in which robots have biological brains and humans have neural implants to link the nervous system bi-directionally with technology and the internet.
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