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(Image: University of Minnesota)

Scientists have unveiled groundbreaking new technology which allows people to control robotic arms with their minds.

Using a specialised “brain cap”, users can pick up objects without so much as lifting a finger.

Before the innovation, only a device implanted in the brain could control the actions of robots.

Now humans wearing the futuristic thinking cap can move the robot arm by using their imaginations.

(Image: University of Minnesota)

Biomedical engineer Bin He, lead author of the study at University of Minnesota, said the cap turns thoughts into action through signal processing and machine learning.

He said: “This is the first time in the world that people can operate a robotic arm to reach and grasp objects in a complex 3D environment using only their thoughts without a brain implant.

"Just by imagining moving their arms, they were able to move the robotic arm."

It is hoped the advance could one day be used to help millions of people who are paralysed or have neurodegenerative diseases.

Bin He and a team of researchers at University of Minnesota developed the brain-computer interface, named electroencephalography (EEG).

The testing process saw eight people don the thinking cap.

They were asked to try to control the robot arm with their minds without moving their own limbs.

On average 80% of the test subjects were able to move the arm and pick up objects successfully.

(Image: University of Minnesota)

Bin he added: “‘This is exciting as all subjects accomplished the tasks using a completely non-invasive technique.

“We see a big potential for this research to help people who are paralyzed or have neurodegenerative diseases to become more independent without a need for surgical implants.”

It comes after boffins revealed another robot arm that can “feel pain” like humans.

The sex industry is also experiencing a tech boom with sex robots responsive to touch due to hit the shelves.