Scientists use Wii to codify learning systems

by Justin McElroy { Dec 10th 2008 at 10:00AM }

Only good for Super Mario Galaxy and Smash Bros. Brawl say you? Not so, say we! The Nintendo Wii is also good for that most noble of pursuits: The very understanding of the human mind. Researchers at Rice University are using the console "to codify learning systems in ways that can be used in a range of human endeavors, from sports to surgery."

When talking about the practical applications of the research, the release goes on to say: "Think of hitting a tennis ball. Learning by trial-and-error is fine, but it would be much easier if a robotic sleeve could tell you exactly where that hitch in your swing is and gently prod you to hit the ball correctly." ... So, wait, they're using the Wiimote to learn to make a Power Glove?

Oh, and because we couldn't work it in before, wiisearch. That is all.

Tags: research, wiimote

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Foetoid @ Dec 10th 2008 10:10AM

I am SO adding this to my usual 'Im a picky hardcore gamer and can name 3 dozen Wii titles worth owning' argument!

Foetoid @ Dec 10th 2008 10:14AM

Oh and why couldn't you work in Wiisearch before? I believe it's 2nd paragraph, 1st line, 9th word along.

Archon @ Dec 10th 2008 10:14AM

I am SO adding this to my usual 'Im a picky hardcore gamer and can name 3 Wii titles worth owning' argument!

Foetoid @ Dec 10th 2008 10:15AM

I see what you did there Archon! Even I own more than 3 games. Tmac knows exactly how many...

tmacairjordan87 @ Dec 10th 2008 10:25AM

I'm gonna say...3 dozen? (reading is fun!)

Really though, you should stop saying that to people. You may like that many wii games, but most people strongly disagree that there's anywhere near that number of decent wii games.

Foetoid @ Dec 10th 2008 10:30AM

Yeah i know Tmac. And its a real shame. For example i never thought for a moment i'd enjoy something like Trauma Center until i tried it, and a some of the games people diss a lot are games they probably havent touched or read underrating reviews, like Tony Hawk Downhill Jam (the best TH game ever IMO). I'll join you soon in the world of 360 soon Tmac, too many games i need to finish like Fable 2, FFXIII and RE5 (plus many more), but the Wii will remain my primary games console with the 360 being a glorified upscaling DVD player that plays HD games i need to finish.

Mr Khan @ Dec 10th 2008 11:08AM

"most people disagree"

False, or else numbers are lying to me. If you say "most narrow-minded western hardcore gamers disagree" then perhaps you'll hit closer to the mark

Dante G @ Dec 10th 2008 11:18AM

I think there are many wii games worth owning these days. Some of them are dirt cheap by the way.

Take a look at my wii games for example:

http://www.vgchartz.com/profiles/mygames.php?id=24231

Most of them where $15 to $30 when I bought them btw.

Gehodra @ Dec 10th 2008 11:21AM

@Khan

I dunno if that's what you were going for, but the "narrow-minded" part made you come across as a dick.

Mr Khan @ Dec 10th 2008 11:33AM

That was my intent. The best counter for arrogant elitism is more arrogant elitism, and either way it's true enough. Have you read comments around here lately? Narrow-mindedness is the rule of the day

Dante G @ Dec 10th 2008 11:33AM

Damn it. My grammar sucks in the internet.

tmacairjordan87 @ Dec 10th 2008 2:28PM

I'm curious to know what numbers you're referring to Khan, because the average casual wii owner isn't buying 20+ games. So yes, most people disagree. YOU don't disagree, but you're in the extreme minority.

mmxzero @ Dec 10th 2008 3:43PM

The average 360 owner isnt buying 20+ games either. The current attach rate is a little over 8, I believe. Not even three dozen decent Wii games? Depends on what you mean by decent, but that should be pretty easy to whip up.

GenBanks @ Dec 10th 2008 10:26AM

Why was one of the guys in the video controlling mario kart with what looked like two wiimotes and two steering wheels hooked together?

Foetoid @ Dec 10th 2008 10:33AM

It kinda like a driving instructors car having two steering wheels. I'm guessing someone was showing him how to play?

baby sea tuna @ Dec 10th 2008 10:33AM

I use the Wii to help me try and remember long strings of numbers.

GhostofGrendel @ Dec 10th 2008 11:10AM

Kudos for you my friend. I actually lol'd at that one. I have to put in those damn friend codes for my kids sometimes because they are so long they invariably mess them up.
Off topic. Joystiq take the m-f'n ozzy add off here before I go insane. I click close all day long and nothing happens I have to do a refresh for anything to happen!