What do you do after hacking a brain computer interface to electrocute people when they concentrate? You invite over some comedians and film them flipping out. Awesome.
In further proof that idle engineers are the most evil demographic in the world, I present to you the “Most Painful Toy Hack Ever”. Created by Aaron Rasmussen, co-founder of Harcos Laboratories, this hacked device monitors your brain activity and gives you a scream-out-loud electric shock as soon as you start concentrating as a way of making your friends laugh. That’s the sort of mixture of comedy and malevolence you can expect from Harcos. To promote their energy drinks (which look like mana potions, and bags of human blood) they’ve pulled a lot of crazy stunts using technology. They’re sort of the geeky version of Jackass. Watch the video below to see Rasmussen shock the crap out of himself, his co-founder Elijah Szasz, and the cast of SMBC-Theater. I never knew such hilarious antics could arise from combining BCI with electroshock therapy.
For a hack of a brain computer interface (BCI), the MPTHE is pretty cheap to build. Rasmussen says the entire project cost him around $105. That includes the BCI from a toy called MindFlex (~$80+), an electric shock card from Qkit (~$5), and various electronic parts. Harcos Labs has placed all the information you need to build your own MPTHE on their website. I’m sure hackers everywhere have already started to improve upon the design. We just saw the release of the first patient-ready BCI on the market. Maybe with that EEG they’d be able to do something more productive than shock you. As brain computer interfaces get more common, and accessible, I’m sure we’ll see some really incredible hacks, hopefully not all for evil.
[image and video credit: Harcos Laboratories]
[source: Harcos Laboratories]
Comments
A cattle prod sounds like a friendly alternative
You should get 2 of them and set them up to shock each other, then have a contest to see who can last the longest trying to zap the other.
That’d be hilarious.
You should get 2 of them and set them up to shock each other, then have a contest to see who can last the longest trying to zap the other.
That’d be hilarious.
The cut the NSFW part. It was basically the same scene as The Green Mile when he didn’t wet the sponge.
The cut the NSFW part. It was basically the same scene as The Green Mile when he didn’t wet the sponge.
From the outro: “I have no idea why anyone would want to build this machine; it is the worst machine ever.”
From the outro: “I have no idea why anyone would want to build this machine; it is the worst machine ever.”
The Chinese will buy this, make it so it only shocks you when you’re *not* concentrating, and then require every student to wear one.
The Chinese will buy this, make it so it only shocks you when you’re *not* concentrating, and then require every student to wear one.
You’re off base there, son. There’s alot to think about in the bible; and had you ever picked up one you would know.
If you truly wish to learn to NOT THINK you will plop your jaded affluent butt down in front the television.
Obviously you’ve been well programmed by it thus far so this should not be news to you, sir.
You’re totally right. ‘Electrocute’ is not just electric shock, it involves death. It’s not about being a grammar-nazi. What is wrong is wrong, just like that.
e·lec·tro·cute (-lktr-kyt)
1. To kill with electricity: a worker who was electrocuted by a high-tension wire.
2. To execute (a condemned prisoner) by means of electricity.
Cry me a friggin river.
Steve continues to miss the point; it’s not about whining or crying, it’s about correctitude. Imagine claiming you were murdered when you were merely attacked.
Someone should reverse this. Shock you for not thinking. Then put it on government employees.
That would consume far too much electricity.
YMMD
I’m sure the influx in electrical spending would also fix the economy! Everyone wins!
Someone should reverse this. Shock you for not thinking. Then put it on government employees.
That would consume far too much electricity.
YMMD
I’m sure the influx in electrical spending would also fix the economy! Everyone wins!
are you gonna cry?
“was that really necessary?”
Are you really necessary? Quit whining.
Well played sir, well played.
oh he is just mad he’s going to hell thats all
Well there is another device that teaches you not to think for much less money. I think it’s called the bible or something like that well the name is silly but I heard it’s quite famous ;D
@needlzor
well played sir, well played
Was that really necessary?
“was that really necessary?”
Are you really necessary? Quit whining.
Well played sir, well played.
oh he is just mad he’s going to hell thats all
You’re off base there, son. There’s alot to think about in the bible; and had you ever picked up one you would know.
If you truly wish to learn to NOT THINK you will plop your jaded affluent butt down in front the television.
Obviously you’ve been well programmed by it thus far so this should not be news to you, sir.
A cattle prod sounds like a friendly alternative
Well there is another device that teaches you not to think for much less money. I think it’s called the bible or something like that well the name is silly but I heard it’s quite famous ;D
@needlzor
well played sir, well played
Was that really necessary?
Please a list of transhumanists and futurists you’d love seeing subjected to this test!
First choice – Jamais Cascio (for the bewildered expression he’d get) and Kevin Warwick (he deserves the pain! ask his wife!)
Please a list of transhumanists and futurists you’d love seeing subjected to this test!
First choice – Jamais Cascio (for the bewildered expression he’d get) and Kevin Warwick (he deserves the pain! ask his wife!)
You might want to correct your headline. Electrocution means death by electric shock, not simply receiving an electric shock.
are you gonna cry?
You’re totally right. ‘Electrocute’ is not just electric shock, it involves death. It’s not about being a grammar-nazi. What is wrong is wrong, just like that.
e·lec·tro·cute (-lktr-kyt)
1. To kill with electricity: a worker who was electrocuted by a high-tension wire.
2. To execute (a condemned prisoner) by means of electricity.
Cry me a friggin river.
Steve continues to miss the point; it’s not about whining or crying, it’s about correctitude. Imagine claiming you were murdered when you were merely attacked.
You might want to correct your headline. Electrocution means death by electric shock, not simply receiving an electric shock.