# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• Researchers discussed advanced human modeling technologies from the Center for Human Modeling and Simulation, exploring how these computational frameworks could represent human capabilities in automation systems, including work envelopes, positional constraints, and object manipulation.

• Participants examined Festo's biologically-inspired robotic hand and arm system that uses air muscles, noting its unique force characteristics compared to traditional linear actuators—specifically how it exerts maximum force when fully extended.

• The group shared research on liquid neural interfaces using electrochemical polymerization of conducting polymers in living neural tissue, which could significantly reduce scarring when implanting electrodes for brain-computer interfaces.

• A technical discussion about brain-computer interfaces revealed that microelectrode arrays cost around $80 for a 10x10 array, but the practical challenges of implantation, including sterilization and surgical costs (estimated at $5-10k), remain significant barriers.

• Members debated non-invasive alternatives to brain implants, including ultrasound, infrared, and repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), with several scientific papers shared examining rTMS effects on memory formation and language learning.

• The conversation included troubleshooting PythonOCC (Python bindings for OpenCascade) implementation issues, demonstrating the community's hands-on approach to open-source development tools for modeling and simulation.