Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)

 Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are devices that enable signals from the brain to direct external activity, such as moving a cursor or prosthetic limb. BCIs work by measuring the brain’s electrical activity using a monitoring method called electroencephalography (EEG), which involves placing electrodes on the scalp surface. For individuals who have experienced a debilitating loss of motor control, the pursuit of this assistive technology by researchers offers a crucial ray of hope.

Though brain-to-computer technology may sound futuristic, the first human to be successfully implanted with a BCI was way back in 2004, when a quadriplegic named Matthew Nagle received a device called BrainGate that allowed him to move a cursor across a screen.

Since that momentous moment, the capabilities of modern BCIs have advanced to such an extent that a number of ethical questions have been raised, ranging from privacy to loss of humanity. For example, if a BCI device misreads an invasive thought and executes a harmful action — even if the user didn’t intend to fully through with the action — how much responsibility can we ascribe to the user?

Thankfully, scientists are tackling these moral quandaries head-on. In 2019, scientists developed the first-ever noninvasive brain-computer interface, which will benefit the lives of paralysed patients and others with movement disorders. While BCIs are not particularly reliable in their current form, the ongoing work of biomedical engineers[1] is helping to improve accuracy and safeguard the wellbeing of users.

As for the long-term impact of BCIs, the sky seems to be the limit. While these devices currently have the potential to do enormous good for people with serious motor disabilities, in the future, scientists believe they will be applied in the area of “human augmentation” — using the technology to improve human cognition as well as other abilities.