Neural Signal Operated Intelligent Robots: Conclusion, Limitations, & Ethical Concerns

Authors: (1) Ruohan Zhang, Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI), Stanford University & Equally contributed; zharu@stanford.edu; (2) Sharon Lee, Department of Computer Science, Stanford University & Equally contributed; zharu@stanford.edu; (3) Minjune Hwang, Department of Computer Science, Stanford University & Equally contributed; zharu@stanford.edu; (4) Ayano Hiranaka, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University & Equally contributed; zharu@stanford.edu; (5) Chen Wang, Department of Computer Science, Stanford University; (6) Wensi Ai, Department of Computer Science, Stanford University; (7) Jin Jie Ryan Tan, Department of Computer Science, Stanford University; (8) Shreya Gupta, Department of Computer Science, Stanford University; (9) Yilun Hao, Department of Computer Science, Stanford University; (10) Ruohan Gao, Department of Computer Science, Stanford University; (11) Anthony Norcia, Department of Psychology, Stanford University (12) Li Fei-Fei, 1Department of Computer Science, Stanford University & Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI), Stanford University; (13) Jiajun Wu, Department of Computer Science, Stanford University & Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI), Stanford University. Table of Links Abstract & Introduction Brain-Robot Interface (BRI): Background The NOIR System Experiments Results Conclusion, Limitations, and Ethical Concerns Acknowledgments & References Appendix 1: Questions and Answers about NOIR Appendix 2: Comparison between Different Brain Recording Devices Appendix 3: System Setup Appendix 4: Task Definitions Appendix 5: Experimental Procedure Appendix 6: Decoding Algorithms Details Appendix 7: Robot Learning Algorithm Details 6 Conclusion, Limitations, and Ethical Concerns In this work, we presented a general-purpose, intelligent BRI system that allows human users to control a robot to accomplish a diverse, challenging set of real-world activities using brain signals. NOIR enables human intention prediction through few-shot learning, thereby facilitating a more efficient collaborative interaction. NOIR holds a significant potential to augment human capabilities and enable critical assistive technology for individuals who require everyday support. NOIR represents a pioneering effort in the field, unveiling potential opportunities while simultaneously raising questions about its limitations and potential ethical risks which we address in Appendix 1. The decoding speed, as it currently stands, restricts tasks to those devoid of time-sensitive interactions. However, advancements in the field of neural signal decoding hold promise for alleviating this concern. Furthermore, the compilation of a comprehensive library of primitive skills presents a long-term challenge in robotics, necessitating additional exploration and development. Nonetheless, we maintain that once a robust set of skills is successfully established, human users will indeed be capable of applying these existing skills to complete new tasks. This paper is under CC 4.0 license. available on arxiv