Brain-Computer Interfaces: Discussion and Future Implications for Human Factors
By: Ryan Bird Brain-computer Interfaces Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are devices which allow users to communicate with computers via the electrical signals generated by neuronal firing (i.e., brain cell activity). For example, prosthetic limbs can be connected to the brain’s motor cortex (see Figure 1 below) with implantable electrodes, permitting the user to control the prosthesis just as they would any other limb. Although BCIs have been developed and tested in various forms in both human and non-human models for decades (i.e., cochlear implants), recent advances in artificial intelligence and surgical technology are paving the way for incredible medical breakthroughs once thought to be the stuff of science fiction. Figure 1: Motor Cortex Monumental Progress On December 22, 2021, Philip O’Keefe took over the Twitter account of Synchron ¹ CEO Thomas Oxley and posted a very short tweet. “Hello, world! Short tweet. Monumental progress.” It doesn’t appear to be much at first glance,