Remote Controlling Humans

Ok, this isn't a get your tin foil hat post. NTT has developed a headset that sends electrical signals to the inner ear. This tricks the vestibular system into believing you are tilting left or right, and compels you to compensate by moving in that direction.

Here's the journalist's experience:
"A special headset … sent a very low voltage electric current from the back of my ears through my head — either from left to right or right to left, depending on which way the joystick on a remote-control was moved. …I felt a mysterious, irresistible urge to start walking to the right whenever the researcher turned the switch to the right. I was convinced — mistakenly — that this was the only way to maintain my balance."

NTT is interested in using this for video games. Personally, it would be great attached to a GPS and mapping software. I could bury my head in a book and be auto piloted directly to work.

Read the full article: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2005/10/25/financial/f133702D73.DTL