A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a method to allow communication between the brain and an external device such as a computer. This does not use the typical pathways of the nervous system, instead it utilizes various forms of detection of neural activity. Essentially, it translates neural activity into electrical signals that can then be used to control computers, prosthetic limbs, or other devices. BCIs can be invasive, requiring surgery to implant electrodes, or non-invasive, using external sensors like EEG caps. 

How it works:

  • Signal Acquisition: BCIs will detect neural activity using either implanted electrodes or non-invasive sensors such as EEG. 
  • Signal Processing: Such neural activity is then processed and interpreted by a computer. This has to identify any patterns and what specific intentions or actions, such as arm movement.
  • Device Control: Once acquired and processed, these signals can me used as commands to control an external device. Such devices can be (but not limited to) computer games, prosthetic limbs, or other technologies. 

Types of BCIs:

  • Invasive: Require surgery to implant electrodes directly into the brain. These are reliable and precise methods to acquire neural activity.
  • Non-invasive: These use external sensors such as sensor arrays arranged on the scalp. These are less precise but offer simplicity and portability.
  • Neural Transistor: Note that the Girl Electric series of novels uses nanobots that interconnect to form a single entity within the body. Nanobots can also connect to the nervous system to acquire and induce nerve signals. In this way the programmed AI carried on the nanobots can detect the outside world and control the body. This is an invasive type but does not require surgery, they are injected into the host body,

Applications:

  • Pure Research: BCIs are valuable tools for studying all forms of brain and neural activity.
  • Rehabilitation: BCIs can help paraplegics to regain control of their limbs and other functions. 
  • Communication: BCIs can provide a way for individuals with disabilities or impediments to express themselves. 
  • Gaming: BCIs can be used to interact with virtual environments or control avatars. 
  • Assistive Technology: BCIs can be used to control a variety of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or other environmental controls. 
  • Human enhancement: Note that the Girl Electric series of novels describes how embedded BCI can be used to enhance a human’s abilities. These are used to enhance soldiers combat abilities.

Current Research and Challenges:

  • Physical Accuracy:

Non-invasive BCIs currently face challenges in accurately capturing and interpreting neural activity. Invasive systems offer accuracy, but risks to health and complexities in data processing. 

  • Cost and Accessibility:

The cost of BCI (especially invasive) is likely to be prohibitive for individuals. This technology is still in its infancy, so accessibility remains a concern. 

  • Ethics:

Data ownership, privacy, and misuse is of grave concern and is currently being scrutinized and discussed. 

  • Some Company Examples:

Neuralink

Paradromics

Neurable

Synchron

NextMind – with NextMind, you can develop non-intrusive BCI applications

Instructables – Here you can get home DIY projects for fun and education. This is an example of simple Neuro interface!

A word from MIT

Bernard is a past software engineer and technologist, where he specialized in digital TV, satellite, cable and streaming technologies. At various times he worked with broadcast systems, such as MPEG, MHEG, Digital Terrestrial.  His career culminated as a consultant, whose clients included Sony, News Corp, OpenTV, Virgin Media, Cisco, to name but a few.

Bernard also created the EDiCT project under the auspices of the European Information Society Technology. Action Line: IST-2001-3.1.1, Project number 35142.
EDiCT – Enhanced Development of Interactive Content for Television.

During this time Bernard represented his company (Liberate Technologies) on ISO standard committees in Geneva.

He now concentrates his time on exploring AI (Artificial Intelligence) for writers and artists. Tools such as ChatGPT, Claude.ai, ProWritingAid, to name a few. Such research has led him to write about BCI, or Brain Computer Interface. This has led to the creation of the Girl Electric series of books

His love of engineering inspires him to write science thrillers, where technology challenges humanity and vice versa. He is also driven to write creative nonfiction, where true stories are dramatized in words. When stuck on time he is content to write short stories.