How to Implement BCI

1. Controlling robots with brainpower

Researchers at the US-based Carnegie Mellon University and University of Minnesota have developed a mind-controlled robot arm that can track a computer cursor on a screen. What’s so special about it is that the method behind it is non-invasive – that is, it doesn’t require surgery – and functions with a high degree of precision. For a few years now, it’s been possible to steer a robot arm by means of brain signals. However, until now, brain implants were required for this purpose, as the control provided by non-invasive methods was too imprecise. Many researchers have been trying as a result to achieve a good level of control with non-invasive methods.

The results of the research team from Minnesota have got people dreaming again about other possibilities. However, we’re still a long way from achieving the level of control needed to make meaningful use of a robot hand in everyday life.

2. The Squid – pie in the sky (for now)

What looks like a futuristic squid is the award-winning creation of industrial designer Daniel Dürr. His idea aims to enable doctors in operating theatres to keep their hands free for operating. During surgery, they often use microscopes that need to be realigned constantly throughout the procedure. This forces surgeons to interrupt their actual surgical work. The Squid, as Dürr imagines it, is there to transmit the wearer’s power of thought into steering the microscope.

3. BrainModes

As part as the research project “BrainModes”, scientists from Berlin’s university hospital Charité are working together with artists. They’re developing the so-called ”BrainModes App”, which is supposed to help us get to know our own brains better. A “neuro-headset” enables users to control games on their smartphones, to take a closer look at their own brains and to analyse the progress of the brain training that is taking place.

The smartphone application is based on the brain simulation platform “The Virtual Brain”. In this open-source platform, scientists enter data from patients who have had medical conditions like strokes. The data can then be used to create simulations of the brain. The vision for the future is to plan the treatment of a brain disease on a digital double in the computer – this is possible because the course of a disease can be simulated there too.