Summary
A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a technology that translates signals generated by brain activity into control signals without the involvement of peripheral nerves and muscles. Electrical signals from brain activity are detected by electrodes on the scalp, on the cortical surface, or within the brain. The brain signals are amplified and digitised. Pertinent signal characteristics are extracted and then translated into commands that control an output device, such as a spelling program or a motorized wheelchair. A BCI differs from a Neuroprosthetics in that a BCI doesn’t substitute for motor, sensory, or cognitive functions
Viability (2)
There are some commercial consumer-grade BCI that use a EEG-based headset. But these devices are still very experimental. Research is focused on finding the right balance between signal fidelity and level of invasiveness. The most useful BCI should not require surgery and so research is focused on improving signal fidelity across three dimensions: temporal resolution (when an activation occurred), spatial resolution (where the activation occurred), and the degree of immobility (how mobile is the device). Such improvements likely to come from neuroimaging advances and machine learning.
Drivers (3)
The miniaturisation of electronics makes it viable to detect, amplify and transmit neural signals with electrodes with so-called neurograin chips or neural dust. Faster, lower latency and more reliable communication protocols make real-time communication possible. And better data analysis and machine learning tools are making it cheaper and easier to decode neural activity.
Novelty (5)
Long-term, no other technology can connect biological brains with external devices and replace or augment human capabilities. BCIs are at the apex of communication bypassing the need for language or movement. Short-term, for biomedical applications to replace or restore central nervous system (CNS) functioning, advances in neural stem cells (NSCs) treatments will compete with BCI although BCIs have the ability to augment not just treat diseases.
Diffusion (2)
Invasive devices will be in market long before non-invasive but will be restrained by regulatory approval, high costs, and surgical risks. Particularly invasive likely to grow faster than invasive devices to reduce risk. Non-invasive devices will diffuse much faster but will be limited by high cost and concerns over privacy. The debate around augmenting human capabilities will get more important as BCIs become viable for consumers. We can expect the precautionary principle at least in the West to further slow adoption.
Impact (5)
Medium impact scenario sees invasive BCI will be limited albeit extremely valuable impact for biomedical applications especially for motorneuron and neurodegenerative diseases. The high impact scenario sees a move from healthcare to consumer-grade devices. This scenario relies on cheaper surgery with robotic surgery and then ultimately an entirely non-invasive method of neural modulation, most likely Optogenetics. Once we have arrived at consumer-grade devices, BCI will be one of the most important technologies humanity has ever created enabling humans to live (all?) of their lives in Virtual Reality. Enabling direct and precise manipulation of neurons by computers is the ultimate convergence on human and machine and like Neuroprosthetics is a gateway to transhumanism.
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