Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) establish a direct communication link between the human brain and an external device. This rapidly growing industry enables individuals to interact with their environment and digital systems using only neural activity.
Types of Brain-Computer Interfaces
Brain-Computer Interfaces are categorized by how they acquire brain signals: invasive or non-invasive methods. Invasive BCIs require surgical implantation of electrodes inside the skull, offering a high-fidelity signal. These systems, such as microelectrode arrays like the Utah Array or Michigan Probe, are placed directly onto the brain’s surface to record neural activity. Some invasive approaches, like stentrode devices, are inserted into blood vessels near the brain, providing a less direct but implanted connection.
Non-invasive BCIs are worn externally on the head and do not require surgery. Electroencephalography (EEG) caps are a common example, using electrodes on the scalp to detect electrical brain activity. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is another method, using infrared light to measure changes in blood oxygenation levels. These external systems offer greater safety and accessibility, although signal clarity is generally lower.
Companies Developing Invasive BCI
Several companies are at the forefront of developing invasive BCI technologies. Neuralink, co-founded by Elon Musk, is developing a fully implanted, wireless BCI device called the Link. This system features over 1,000 electrodes designed to precisely monitor and stimulate brain activity. Neuralink aims to restore communication and motor, sensory, and visual functions for individuals with severe paralysis, and treat neurological disorders.
In early 2024, Neuralink successfully implanted its device in its first human patient, Noland Arbaugh, enabling him to control a computer cursor and play digital games like chess using his thoughts. A second patient, Alex, used the implant to play Counter-Strike 2, demonstrating simultaneous mouse and keyboard control. Neuralink also received Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA to expedite development for restoring communication in patients with severe speech impairment due to conditions such as ALS or stroke.
Synchron focuses on a minimally invasive endovascular approach with its Stentrode device. This BCI is inserted through the jugular vein and guided to a blood vessel near the motor cortex, bypassing the need for open brain surgery. The COMMAND study, an FDA-approved trial involving six participants with severe chronic bilateral upper-limb paralysis, demonstrated the device’s safety over a 12-month period, with no serious adverse events reported. Participants successfully translated brain signals into digital motor outputs, enabling them to perform tasks like texting, online banking, and controlling personal devices hands-free.
Blackrock Neurotech is a pioneer in neural interface solutions with its flagship NeuroPort System. The company’s MoveAgain system, which received FDA Breakthrough Device designation, utilizes a wired electrode array, approximately four millimeters wide with 96 millimeter-long electrodes, implanted on the brain. This system interprets neurological signals to allow paralyzed patients to control computer cursors, keyboards, mobile devices, wheelchairs, and prosthetic limbs by thought alone. Blackrock Neurotech is also developing Neuralace, a next-generation flexible electrode array featuring over 10,000 channels, which is expected to be available for the neuroscience research community by 2024. The company plans to explore visual prosthesis applications, aiming for human demonstrations by 2028.
Companies Pioneering Non-Invasive BCI
The non-invasive BCI sector is seeing significant innovation, with companies developing external devices that offer accessibility and safety. Kernel, founded by Bryan Johnson, specializes in non-invasive neuroimaging technology. The company aims to understand and potentially influence brain functions, conducting research into neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, and anxiety. Kernel’s Flow device is a wearable time-domain functional near-infrared spectroscopy (TD-fNIRS) system that measures changes in blood oxygenation as a proxy for neural activity, capable of a 200 Hz sampling rate. The platform can also fuse fNIRS with EEG signatures, providing a more comprehensive view of cortical brain activity, and is marketed for consumer wellness and cognitive enhancement.
Neurable is advancing non-invasive BCI technology through AI-powered tools for brain signal translation. The company launched the MW75 Neuro headphones, which integrate electroencephalography (EEG) sensors into the ear pads. These smart headphones are designed to provide users with insights into their cognitive health, help manage burnout, and enhance daily performance by analyzing brainwave data. Neurable works through licensing partnerships to embed its user-friendly neurotechnology into everyday consumer devices.
OpenBCI provides open-source, low-cost, high-quality biosensing hardware that serves researchers, makers, and hobbyists worldwide. Their product line includes various headwear and Arduino-compatible boards capable of high-resolution recording of EEG, EMG, and ECG signals. These devices facilitate the mapping of brain activity and the control of external machines. OpenBCI is also exploring the integration of its neurotechnology with mixed reality platforms, exemplified by its Galea Headset for virtual and augmented reality applications.
Core Applications Driving Development
Brain-Computer Interface development is driven by the potential to address a wide array of human needs, from restoring lost functions to enhancing daily experiences.
Medical and Restorative Applications
Medical and restorative applications represent a significant area of focus, aiming to assist patients with severe physical disabilities. These BCIs can restore motor function for individuals with conditions like paralysis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, or spinal cord injuries, enabling them to control prosthetic limbs, robotic arms, or motorized wheelchairs. Companies are also exploring BCI solutions for restoring senses like vision, such as Neuralink’s stated aim for its Blindsight implant.
Communication Aids
Communication aids form another important application, offering a voice to those who have lost the ability to speak due to neurological conditions, including locked-in syndrome or anarthria. Early non-invasive EEG-based systems allowed for slow communication, such as spelling out words at approximately 2.3 characters per minute. More advanced implanted devices have demonstrated faster communication, with some studies reporting individuals able to communicate at 15 words per minute by decoding neural activity related to vocal tract movements or imagined handwriting. These systems translate brain signals into text or synthesized speech.
Consumer and Enhancement Applications
Beyond medical uses, BCIs are increasingly being explored for consumer and enhancement applications. This includes advanced gaming control, where users can interact with video games or virtual reality environments using only their thoughts. BCIs can also monitor mental states, such as focus or distraction, offering insights for cognitive enhancement or improved productivity. Emerging uses extend to interacting with smart home devices, allowing individuals to control lights or other appliances through mental commands. These consumer-grade devices are becoming more affordable and accessible.