Not so long ago, the concept of connecting the human brain to a computer seemed to be confined to the realm of science fiction.
Today, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neurotechnology continue to evolve and accelerate.
According to research firm Verified Market Research, the BCI industry is projected to grow at an annual rate of 14.61% from 2024 to 2031. The firm said that the market is currently valued at $4.02 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $ 10.86 billion by the end of the forecast period.
How do BCIs work?
In most cases, BCIs are devices that allow direct communication between a human brain and a computer or other external device. They capture the electrical signals produced by the brain and translate them into actions or commands.
Here’s how these devices work:
Signal acquisition: Sensors (often electrodes) are placed on the scalp, implanted on the brain’s surface, or even within the brain tissue. These sensors detect the electrical activity of neurons.
Signal processing: The collected signals are processed and analyzed using algorithms to identify patterns and extract meaningful information.
Output: The interpreted brain signals are then used to control external devices or software. This could be anything from typing on a computer to moving a robotic arm.
What are the applications of BCIs?
Medical: Helping people with paralysis regain movement, treating neurological disorders like epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease, and restoring vision.
Gaming: Creating immersive gaming experiences where players can control characters or environments using their thoughts.
Augmented reality: Enhancing augmented reality experiences by allowing users to interact with virtual objects using their minds.
Neuroscience research: Studying brain function and understanding how the brain processes information.
Neuromarketing: Companies use BCIs to measure consumer reactions to products or advertisements, helping them understand preferences and emotions.
Accessibility: For individuals with disabilities, BCIs can provide alternative methods of communication or control, such as typing using thoughts or operating assistive devices.
Mental health: BCIs are being explored for their potential to monitor brain activity and detect signs of stress, anxiety, or depression.
Education: BCIs could be used to personalize learning experiences by adapting content based on a student’s brain activity and understanding.
While BCIs hold immense potential, there are also challenges to overcome, such as the complexity of the human brain, ethical considerations, and technological limitations.
Companies working on BCIs
Currently, there’s no single dominant leader BCIs, although these companies and institutions are making significant strides:
Neuralink: Founded by Elon Musk, Neuralink is perhaps the most well-known BCI company. They’re focused on developing implantable devices that could potentially treat neurological disorders and enhance human capabilities.
Synchron: Another prominent company in the BCI field, Synchron is developing minimally invasive brain-computer interfaces that are inserted through blood vessels.
Blackrock Neurotech: A pioneer in BCI technology, Blackrock Neurotech has been conducting human trials for over a decade. Their devices have been used to restore movement to paralyzed individuals.
Precision Neuroscience: This company is developing a fully reversible, minimally invasive brain chip that aims to treat neurological disorders and enhance cognitive function.
Neurable: Neurable is developing non-invasive BCI headsets that can be used for gaming, productivity, and other applications.
Beyond these companies, several universities and research institutions are also at the forefront of BCI research. These include Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
It’s important to note that the BCI field is still relatively new, and the competitive landscape is likely to change as technology advances. Many smaller companies and startups are also making significant contributions to this area.
READ MORE ODD NEWS.
