When discussing the potential of technology to do remarkable things, we often discuss whether we think the technology is cool or creepy. We have seen sci-fi films and series that portray the idea of controlling some technology using your mind. Well, what if I told you that some researchers and companies are working on Brain-Computer Interfaces to make the same sci-fi fantasy into reality? In this edition of weekly blogs, we’ll explore what BCIs are, how they work, and what potential applications they have in the future. Maybe after you read this post, you would like to share your thoughts on what side of the cool-creepy scale you fall on this emerging technology.
What is a Brain-Computer Interface?
A brain-computer interface, called BCIs, is a set of sensors that enable direct communication between the brain and an external device, such as a computer. The sensors track data in brain activity, which is then interpreted by the computer and used to control various devices. There are generally two types of BCIs: invasive and non-invasive. Invasive BCIs are surgically implanted into a patient’s head to provide more precise control over the data being assessed by the electrode and higher data rates. There are several types of BCIs, and various ways to collect data on brain activity come with that. In general, most of the BCIs that are currently being tested and researched involve the use of electroencephalography (EEG) sensors. EEG is a method to record an electrogram of the brain’s spontaneous electrical activity. These sensors are placed on the scalp to detect electrical activity through the skull. Once the sensors pick up the electrical activity, a computer amplifies and filters the signal. This signal is then translated to commands that prompt a device to do something. These commands control various devices, including prosthetic limbs, robots, and software applications.
Potential Applications and Concerns of BCIs
One of the potentially significant applications of BCI is in prosthetics. BCIs can provide people with disabilities the ability to control their prosthetics with their thoughts, offering a better degree of mobility and independence for the user. Another significant application is in education. BCIs could be used to assess the effectiveness of learning styles on individuals to create a learning experience that benefits the learner the most. BCIs can also have a significant application in healthcare. BCIs can monitor brain activity and diagnose epilepsy and sleeping disorders.
To put it in perspective, a leading BCI company stated that less than 40 people worldwide had implanted BCIs, all experimental. One of the main obstacles to BCI development is that each person is unique. With that, each person generates unique brain signals at varying intensities. This makes it difficult for researchers to create a device accommodating most people. Another concern revolves around the possible legal and security implications of BCIs. For example, cyberattacks are a significant concern in the BCI space because of the potential for hackers to use malware to intercept brain signal data stored on devices connected to the user. Another important consideration for researchers regarding BCI is the brain signal-to-speech translation could cause harm if it is not significantly accurate. For example, using BCIs as speech in a situation where an inaccurate translation might indicate legal or medical consent that the person did not intend to give.
Significant Movers in Brain-Computer Interface Space
A few notable movers are spearheading the research of Brain-Computer interfaces. Elon Musk’s Neuralink is developing an implant placed in the brain through a robot-assisted procedure. He claims the process can be completed in less than an hour and provides options for removal and upgrades. Synchron, another mover in the BCI space, developed a catheter-delivered BCI. They are the only company using the endovascular delivery method to capture signals from the brain. They believe that this method makes BCI technology simpler and safer than the alternative of open-brain surgery. The last company I want to highlight is Blackrock Neurotech. Compared to the previous two companies and their recent waves in the BCI space, Blackrock has been testing in human patients for nearly 20 years. Blackrock Neurotech received FDA breakthrough device designation for its MoveAgain BCI system, which allowed immobile patients to control a range of devices simply by thinking.
The Future of BCIs
While brain-computer interfaces are still in the early stages of development, the potential applications and benefits are immense. In the future, BCIs could revolutionize how we interact with technology, providing a more intuitive and personalized experience for each user. There are still major ethical and privacy concerns regarding this type of technology. The problem regarding the potential for misuse or unauthorized access to brain data still has the public skeptical of this technology. Brain-computer interfaces are a unique and fascinating technological concept. Though it may be several decades before we ever see this technology available to the public, it is still interesting to see this coming on the horizon.