"These aren't the droids you're looking for..."

Pretty interesting video from Honda Motors this morning (accompanying story found here) showing a man controlling an Asimo robot -- with just his thoughts! (Jump to 2:32 of the video)

The helmet-like device measures electrical currents and/or blood flow on the scalp based on brain activity; it then transmits that information to the robot. Note that the company did not allow a "live" demonstration of the technology because of concerns about distractions or other difficulties in 'reading' the subject's thoughts.

While the demonstration above is rudimentary, the implications have far-ranging impact. And not just for Stars Wars fans.

It's also more evidence of the importance that Japan is placing on robotics as the key to its technological future, from introduction of fashion model-robots, robo-nurses to other household uses.