Once the Duke team implanted the wireless control devices in their simian test subjects, they first passively recorded the monkeys' brains waves while driving them around on the wheelchair. They used this data to create an algorithm that translates the monkeys' intentions into electrical signals that drive the machine. From there, it was simply a matter of giving the monkeys control over the chair and letting them loose.

It took them less than a day to get the hang of driving and they quickly became proficient. When placed in a random location within the test room, the monkeys consistently managed to direct the wheelchair towards their reward: a bowl of fruit. The researchers hope that this technology can eventually be adapted for human use. First, however, the team must overcome their BMI's 2-hour battery life.