How machine learning can help to understand brain signals If a
neurotechnological prosthesis should act upon commands from the
brain, these have to be interpreted correctly. It is a
challenging task because the amount of data is huge and the
signals that the brain emits also change over time. Computer
scientists therefore want to leave it to learning machines to
solve this ever-changing puzzle. |Gunnar Grah talked to Martin
Riedmiller, Machine Learning Lab| The usual way to make a
computer do something goes like this: You decide what problem
the machine is supposed to solve for you, then you write a
programme that does exactly this. Modern washing machines work
that way. They have been told exactly what to do at what moment.
This approach works very well for clearly defined problems, like
getting dirt out of laundry. But there are many problems where
solutions are not obvious, and the point of departure might
always be a little bit different and require different
solutions. In this case, computer scientists o