Rat Brain Robot: Disquieting or Amazing Advancement?

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I originally found this video on reddit, of a robot that is described as being controlled by the neurons in a rat brain that is kept in a bell jar.  I wasn't paying complete attention during the video the first time around and later watched it again after reading the comments in the reddit thread.

One of the comments struck a chord with me in a very disquieting way. To think of an a creature's consciousness being used like this creeped me out.

Now of course, this isn't the case at all, but I did envision how entirely confused an animal like a rat could be. The cold confusion within that shell of a body...

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It reminded me of a Dr. Who episode, where these cybermen were created and they were <spoiler> destroyed eventually by turning on their emotions on and allowed the creatures to realize what they really were.</spoiler>

I'm not one to really be waxing philosophical, but the benefits of such technology out weighs the social implications of that sort of lifestyle.

 

Sensationalism aside, the technology is beyond incredible.  It's the Reading University Neural Animat Project.  Here is a brief description of what they are:

 

The neurally controlled animat consists of a culture of cortical cells which are embodied enabling them to interact with the real world via a robot which acts as the artificial body of the 'brain'.

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The technology could assist scientists on discovering more about neurological disorders and the potential to merge technology with the nervous system in order to treat disorders and injuries.

What advancements do you think technology like this could have on our society?  Do you think the societal implications would be a factor on whether or not this technology sees the light of day anytime soon?

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