Are You Brave Enough to Try a Brain-Computer Interface?

One day, you will be able to control your surroundings telepathically. You will scroll on your phone, turn on your smart lights or drive your electric vehicle with just one thought — no need to get up or even move your hands. At least, that’s what could happen if brain-computer interface research progresses. 

This technology is promising, but it is still in its infancy. While technological advancement is exponential — think of how far artificial intelligence has come in a few short years — there’s no telling whether these implantable chips will reach the consumer market in your lifetime. If you want to experience one, you could always sign up for a clinical trial. 

Human Trials for Brain-Computer Interfaces Have Begun

A brain-computer interface directly links the brain’s electrical activity and an external device like a computer, mobile phone or robotic limb. The system captures, interprets and translates these signals into actionable commands. 

There are invasive and noninvasive models. They can be implanted within the brain, surgically positioned under the scalp or placed on the head like a hat. For example, one of Synchron’s implants goes into the jugular vein and is maneuvered right over the motor cortex. The sensors are within a self-expanding stent that attaches to the vein wall. Surgery comes with significant risks, but the closer the device is to the electrical activity, the more accurate it is.

The technology is still in its infancy, but has made leaps and bounds. For instance, Georgia Tech researchers developed a wearable microneedle that slips into the space between the hair follicle and the skin. It’s so small it’s almost imperceptible. Six study participants wore it. During testing, they could stand, walk and run while it recorded brain signals with 94.6% accuracy. 

Many Firms Have Ongoing Trials 

Neuralink is the most recognizable example of implantable brain-computer interface technology. It made headlines in January 2024 when an American named Noland Arbaugh became the first to receive the N1 implant as part of the PRIME study. A tragic accident had left him paralyzed, making him the ideal candidate for human trials. 

In time, Arbaugh went from moving a cursor with his thoughts to playing virtual chess games with his friends. He didn’t need a mouse, a joystick or even an accessible controller. These applications may not sound revolutionary, but they represent huge technological leaps. 

Neuralink’s PRIME study is still ongoing. It aims to implant devices into volunteers with spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, it isn’t the only trial. Companies like Precision Neuroscience, Synchron, Inbrain and Blackrock are also exploring this field. The average length of an active trial is just over 40 months as of 2024. 

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Brain-Computer Interfaces

The human brain is complex. One cubic millimeter contains around 150 million synapses and 57,000 cells, which amounts to 1.4 billion megabytes of data. Collecting neural signal data could teach us a lot, potentially leading to medical, accessibility, and rehabilitation breakthroughs. 

Currently, health care is researchers’ primary focus. Most implants are targeted toward people who are paralyzed or suffer from a neurological condition. At this stage, they have the greatest need and would benefit the most, demonstrating this technology’s potential. Plus, the process is more straightforward if they’re already going to have a brain surgery. 

This technology would be life-changing for people with disabilities. It would allow them to regain motor functions or improve communication, which would be life-changing. However, it would also be beneficial for people without disabilities. It would make everyday life more convenient since their other devices would respond dynamically to their needs.

Humans already use 100% of their brains over the course of any given day, so this technology won’t unlock any special abilities. However, it will make everyday life more convenient, especially for people needing a little extra support.  

Every New Technology Has Its Quirks

However, like with any new invention, there are downsides. For one, brain surgery is risky and potentially life-threatening. Even if the operation is successful, patients risk infection and rejection. Wearables and electrodes that sit on the brain’s surface dramatically reduce this risk. 

Even then, there are potential problems. Cybersecurity is the most concerning, even if it isn’t something developers are worried about right now. What if the brain implant gets hacked? If the manufacturer stops pushing firmware updates, will the user be impacted? That leads us down another rabbit hole — maintenance. While some implants are temporary, others are supposed to last for years. If a stent in someone’s jugular breaks, who fixes it? Are repairs even possible?

There are many quirks researchers will need to work out before this technology hits the shelves, so to speak. For instance, someone with paralysis might not qualify for a human trial if they have a pacemaker or a deep brain stimulator. There are a million things professionals must consider to ensure success. 

5 Groundbreaking Brain-Computer Interface Applications 

You may be able to skip clinical trials entirely. Precision Neuroscience recently received FDA clearance for its minimally invasive cortical electrode array — a critical piece of its complete brain-computer interface system. It places the device through a submillimeter incision anywhere on your brain’s surface. The procedure is reversible and temporary, lasting up to 30 days. 

As more chips receive FDA approval, research and development will evolve, and new applications will emerge. While no one can predict the future, several use cases have caught researchers’ attention. 

Accessibility 

People with physical and neurological conditions — like ALS, spinal cord injuries or locked-in syndrome — can’t move, so adaptive controllers don’t work for them. Implants improve their motor functions by letting them interact with their environment hands-free. Imagine a world where they can open doors, communicate and scroll on social media without assistance.

Military 

Super soldiers equipped with brain-machine chips could telepathically control drone swarms during warfare. They could minimize casualties with fewer personnel. This approach could be superior to AI automation since humans are capable of creative and critical thinking.

Manufacturing

Workers could use implants to guide collaborative robots, improving safety and productivity. They could become synergistic, driving the future of manufacturing automation. Implants can be noninvasive or temporary, so it wouldn’t be difficult to outfit the workforce.  

Medical

It’s not uncommon for people to stay awake and play an instrument while being operated on to preserve their motor skills. This technology offers a more accurate, less frightening alternative. Brain surgeons can use it to map and monitor their brain activity to prevent accidental damage. 

Alternatively, medical professionals could use it to support nonverbal individuals or rehabilitate trauma patients. It doesn’t just establish a reliable method of communication. Studies show it promotes long-lasting functional improvements in stroke survivors, regardless of their level of impairment, by improving neuroplasticity — their brain’s ability to adapt. 

Entertainment

Today, people interact with smart devices through an app or a physical hub. In the future, they may only have to think about turning on the lights or changing the channel for it to happen. It could revolutionize augmented reality gaming by improving immersion. 

The Future of Brain-Computer Interface Technology

Brain signals are like a secret language everyone speaks, but few people have access to. This technology could translate them, giving humanity a better understanding of anatomy and behavior. While the implications are equally promising and frightening, you should realistically worry less about mind control and more about hyper-targeted advertising.