From bionic arm to markerless motion: Here's your latest technology news from this week

PIC/UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

Thought-controlled bionic arm enters first home trial

Researchers at the University of Utah have begun the first at-home trial of a thought-controlled bionic arm that can also restore a sense of touch. The neuroprosthetic, inspired by Luke Skywalker's robotic arm, is being tested by Alexander "Avi" Davidson, who lost his left arm after an accident as a teenager.

Using a direct nerve interface called the BIOS Controller, Davidson can control the prosthetic using his thoughts while receiving sensory feedback. Within days, he was able to write, play cards, prepare food, and even feel pressure while holding his wife's hand.

Markerless motion captures traditional systems

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and Carnegie Mellon University have developed a markerless motion capture system that rivals traditional suit-based setups.

Pic/ Max Planck Institute

Called MAMMA, the technology uses multi-camera video to track 512 virtual points on a person's skin and fit them to a digital body model. The system can capture complex interactions such as dancing, wrestling and hugging, where traditional marker systems often struggle.