A Beginner's Guide to BCIs

What are BCIs?

Imagine being able to control a robotic arm, play a video game, or even send Instagram reels to your friend — all with using just your mind. You might think this is science fiction, but it’s quickly becoming a reality thanks to the advent of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology.

BCIs are systems that enable direct communication between the brain and an external device. A chip is first implanted in the brain, and it starts recording neural signals. The chip then translates these signals into direct commands, and sends them to devices like computers, an electric wheelchair, robotic arm, or even smart home systems.

Medical Applications

Noland Arbuagh and the N1 Chip

Firstly, one of the most promising uses of BCI technology is in restoring the abilities and lost functions for disabled persons.

Take Noland Arbaugh, for example (pictured below). After a diving accident left him paralyzed from the shoulders down, Noland’s life was shattered, and he couldn’t even text his mom or play his favorite games anymore.

But after being implanted with Neuralink’s N1 Chip, he can now control a mouse cursor, play video games, and send emails — all with just his thoughts.

BCIs in Prosthetics

BCIs also revolutionize prosthetics. Traditional prosthetic limbs often require users to consciously contract their muscles in order to move, which can be a slow and awkward process. But with BCIs, the brain sends signals directly to the robotic limb, leading to a 41% faster response time and more natural movement. And because there is a direct connection between the brain and the robotic limb, users report that it feels like a true extension of their body. In fact, users report that it’s like they never lost a leg in the first place.

BCIs can help mute/paralyzed people speak

At UCSF, researchers developed a BCI system that uses AI to turn brain activity into synthesized speech in just 80 milliseconds. For people who are mute/paralyzed, this restores the ability to communicate in real time.

Restoring Vision

Finally, BCIs can even restore sight in blind individuals. Neuralink is developing a visual prosthesis called Blindsight that bypasses the eyes entirely, instead sending signals directly to the visual cortex (the part of the brain that processes vision). This means that even someone born blind could perceive shapes and images through this system. While still in the development stage, this technology could change the lives of millions of people in the future, and is definitely something to look out for.

BCIs for Everyday Convenience

Brain-Computer Interfaces aren’t just for people with medical conditions. Instead, they can make life easier for everyone.

Environmental Control

In clinical trials with a patient named Mark, company Synchron was able to integrate his BCI with his Alexa, smart home system, TV, phone, etc. With this, he was able to turn off the lights, command Alexa, and make FaceTime calls all with just his thoughts. Imagine coming home after a long day and being able to turn off the lights, set the thermostat, and play your favorite play list, all without lifting a finger.

Brain-to-Brain Communication

If you’ve ever watched Cyberpunk: Edgerunners or The Matrix, you might think that being able to communicate brain-to-brain sounds like sci-fi. But with BCIs, this is quickly becoming a reality. In fact, researchers from the University of Barcelona were able to successfully transmit words like hola and ciao between human subjects using BCIs, with only a 1–4% error rate. While we’re still in the early stages of BCI development, this experiment hints at a future where longer passages, or even full conversations, could be transmitted between minds.

Concerns and Regulations

Despite all the benefits BCIs can bring to society, it is absolutely imperative that we establish strict regulations before advancing further. Unlike standard digital data, neural data can contain an individual’s deepest thoughts, intentions, and medical information. Thus, the misuse of this data can prove to be far more catastrophic than a hacked phone or email.

Some states are already taking action. Specifically, lawmakers in both Colorado and Minnesota have proposed legislation to protect neural data, including anonymization procedures, explicit consent user consent, and limitations on use/distribution of neural data.

Ultimately, innovation and ethics aren’t a zero-sum game; rather, with smart regulations and policies, governments and companies can help maximize the benefits of BCIs and ensure that they improve lives while also preventing the misuse of brain data.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, Brain-Computer Interfaces are actively transforming lives today and reshaping what it means to interact with technology. From restoring mobility and speech to allowing hands-free control of digital environments, BCIs have the groundbreaking potential to reshape both medicine and everyday convenience. But of course, “with great power comes great responsibility”. As we continue to advance in this field, we must prioritize neural safeguards and data protections to ensure that our most private thoughts remain secure. BCIs promise a future of cohesion and empowerment, but it’s only up to us to build it wisely.

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