What is a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)?
- A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a system that enables direct communication between the brain and an external device, such as a computer or robotic limb.
- It decodes brain signals and translates them into commands to control machines, bypass damaged neural pathways, and restore lost functions in persons with neurological disorders.
- Earlier BCI systems could only translate brain signals into text, and that too with limited vocabulary, slow processing speed, and reduced accuracy.
How Does It Work?
- Sensor implantation: Electrodes were surgically placed on the motor cortex (brain region controlling movement).
- Signal interpretation: The system decodes neural signals of imagined movement, using machine learning to predict changes over time in signal patterns.
- Virtual training: The user was first trained using a virtual robotic arm, allowing refinement of mental control.
- Real-world application: The participant performed complex tasks like picking up blocks, opening a cabinet, and holding a cup under a water dispenser, indicating precise, consistent control.
Broader Applications of BCI Technology
- The BCI also has potential for restoring speech in individuals with conditions like brainstem stroke or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
- Fine electrodes and artificial neural networks can decode intended speech and generate text output, Audible speech, and a speaking avatar.
One study showed a patient with ALS communicating at 62 words per minute, 3.4 times faster than previous BCI systems.
