The presentation falls short of the term science fiction merely by its factuality. Prof. Warwick explained how he connected his own nervous system with a microchip, implanted in his body, that enabled him to interact with electronic equipment.

His presentation was part of the fifth International Conference on Creative Thinking entitled Designing Future Possibilities, that started yesterday morning at the university. The event is organised by the Edward de Bono Institute at the University – founded by the world renowned Malta-born logician Professor Edward de Bono. There were 150 participants attending, from 36 countries.

Speaking to The Malta Independent , Prof. Warwick recounted how ultrasound sensors connected to his nervous system enabled him to find his way around a room while blindfolded.

The chips were planted for three months, which is a relatively long period for this sort of experiment, he explained. In another test he managed to control a robotic arm directly through his brain signals. “I could actually feel the tension of the objects that the robotic hand was squeezing,” he said.

More amazingly, the experiment was carried out over the internet with Prof. Warwick at Columbia University and the arm in another city. Not only did he control the hand, over the internet, but the tension sensation was also felt.

In his opening speech, Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said that Prof. de Bono’s teachings on thinking skills should be integrated in the practice of diplomacy and international affairs.

Since independence, Malta has increasingly assumed the role of international mediator, a role that has been enhanced by Malta’s recent accession to the European Union, Dr Zammit Dimech said.

The conference is expected to end today but it will be followed by the Edward de Bono Seminar, conducted by Prof. de Bono himself, between Wednesday and Friday.

Following the opening speeches by the minister and Jacques Richardson, who acted as chairman for the conference, Prof. de Bono introduced his first presentation, Why Truth and Logic Wrecked the Western World , delivered in his trademark, simple yet effective way through a combination of hand drawn graphics, humour and simple argument.

Information on both events is available from http://home.um.edu.mt/create/confersding.html, email [email protected], or telephone 2131-3981.