In a bizarre display of science-gone-mad, Chinese scientists are attempting to mind-control birds. Allegedly, a team of scientists have successfully controlled a flock of birds using solar power.
Reported by South China Morning Post, scientists at the Shandong University of Science and Technology claim to have controlled a pigeon using a solar-powered device for two hours.
Explained in a science journal by lead scientist Huai Ruituo, the bird was controlled by a “brain control device” on its head. This device, which supported wireless communication, was able to send “nerve simulating signals” to the animal, allowing scientists to allegedly steer the bird for two hours.
To keep the bird controlled, the team connected the device to a solar panel the size of a smartphone screen. This panel was attached to a small lithium battery that kept the technology working.
Huai wrote that the technology can allow for long stretches of use. She wrote: “the animal robot can be guided to charge in the sun autonomously if the remaining power is low.”
Previous bird-controlling experiments gave the team a maximum of 45 minutes of control. However, using solar power, this time can be extended to hours, if not days, depending on weather conditions.
One of the main issues with the team’s experiment is the accuracy of signals. According to the paper, the researchers determined that signals arrive with 80-90 percent accuracy. This means that they’re unable to fully control a bird even with more modern tech.
Mind-control experiments such as this have been in the works for decades. Just recently, scientists continued to use mind-control on cockroaches to survey natural disasters.
Whether or not mind-control technology will actually save lives has yet to be seen. However, the theory remains sound, even if the mind-hacking of living creatures is — at best — wholly unethical.