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Advances in brain-controlled technologies

Controlling actions or technologies through a digital interface using thoughts has been explored for decades. As of now, these brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are expected to gradually enter the market.

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Non-invasive BCIs detect brain activities via electroencephalography (EEG) sensors placed on the cranial surface, making them cost-effective and wearable. In contrast, invasive BCIs require sensor implantation on or near brain tissue and mainly serve medical purposes.

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Companies in the US and China are at the forefront of market development, with applications in healthcare, entertainment, and military sectors.

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Technological advancements, such as improved signal processing and multi-sensor integration, could further enhance BCI capabilities.

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Societal discussions about the BCIs must be comprehensive, considering ethical concerns like privacy, autonomy, and equality.

Maturity

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Drivers

Impact

education

Education

  • The fundamentals and implications of BCIs are relevant topics to incorporate in curricula on neuro and cognitive sciences, medical sciences and healthcare, engineering and digitalisation, sociology, and ethics.
  • BCIs could also be used in education programmes for learning (experiments), although capital investment may be needed for certain versions of the technology.
Research

Research

  • Brain research topics related to neurotechnologies and neurodata, experimental applications, and the societal implications, including ethical and legal aspects are natural research topics of study.
  • Expected advancements in BCIs will lead to increased deployment as a research tool in the future for research activities. For instance, a researcher may use non-invasive BCI technologies for measurement and validation. Of course, such activities would be subject to ethical approval.
Operations

Operations

  • BCIs and other neurotechnologies are developing fast and as they do so, they raise several pertinent societal and ethical questions.
  • Institutes will need to reflect on the institutional policies and guidelines for the use of these technologies, and how neurodata can be used for education and research.