Summary
Devices that connect the brain directly to a computer could soon help people who cannot move or speak. These brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have already been tried with people, and several companies are working to make them available for everyday use. The first users are likely to be people with paralysis from spinal injuries or ALS.
Key Facts
- Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) link the brain to a computer, allowing control of devices with thoughts.
- These devices have helped paralyzed people perform tasks like moving a cursor or generating speech.
- Companies like Precision Neuroscience, Blackrock Neurotech, Paradromics, Synchron, and Neuralink are developing these technologies.
- BCIs detect brain signals related to movement or speech and use them to control devices.
- The technology includes sensors to pick up brain activity and interfaces to process signals.
- The first users are expected to be people with spinal injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- Elon Musk’s Neuralink has gained attention for its work in the BCI field.
- A paralyzed individual, Noland Arbaugh, was the first to receive Neuralink’s device and successfully used it to move a computer cursor.
