Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)

Definition

A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a direct communication pathway between an enhanced or wired brain and an external device. BCIs are often directed at researching, mapping, assisting, augmenting, or repairing human cognitive or sensory-motor functions.

Why It Matters

BCIs have the potential to restore function to people with paralysis by allowing them to control prosthetic limbs or computers with their thoughts. In the long term, they could lead to a new paradigm of human-computer interaction.

Contextual Example

A person with paralysis has a BCI implant that reads their motor cortex signals. They can think about moving a cursor on a screen, and the BCI translates these thoughts into actual cursor movement, allowing them to type messages.

Common Misunderstandings

• BCI technology is still in its very early stages and is highly experimental.
• There are "invasive" BCIs that require surgery to implant electrodes, and "non-invasive" BCIs that read brain signals from the scalp (like an EEG).