Technological Trends: Neurointerfaces or How Humans Are Turned into Cyborgs

In science fiction films, we were shown people with implanted chips who controlled electronic devices with their thoughts. Now, this is no longer a fictional story but reality. The future has arrived, and we didn’t even notice. Within the “Technological Trends” section, we take a closer look at neurointerfaces.

Brain-Computer Interface

Or simply a neurointerface – these are technologies that help establish a connection between a human brain and an external device. In other words, you can control devices and receive sounds, images, and other information directly from them into your brain.

A Historical Overview

As early as 1875, electrical signals were detected on the surface of an animal's brain. Fifty-five years later, the ability of the human brain to generate electrical signals was discovered.

The first neurointerface, the Stimoceiver, was tested on a bull in the mid-20th century by a neurosurgeon from Yale University. At that time, this device was used to change the direction of the animal's movement.

Thus, the interface has been developing for over a century. Experiments are still ongoing – the technology is progressing. For example, two years ago, Elon Musk’s prototype solved the problem of nerve cell death when skin comes into contact with electrodes.

The Key Idea

The human brain is responsible for receiving, processing, and storing a continuous stream of information every day. This happens through the electrical interaction of neurons in the brain. Activity is recorded by the neurointerface and sent to an external device as a command. The scheme also works in reverse: an external command is translated into the brain's bioelectrical activity.

Types of Neurointerfaces

• Invasive (sensors are implanted into the cerebral cortex);
• Semi-invasive (sensors are placed on the surface of the brain);
• Non-invasive (sensors are attached to the scalp).

Is the Future Dangerous?

The deeper the sensors are placed, the more accurate results can be obtained. This applies to both research and real-world application of the technology. However, there are many difficulties and problems on the path of development. In particular, not everyone will like the idea of implanting chips into the head. Moreover, it can be very expensive. It’s frightening to imagine that a person’s personality could be reprogrammed, their thoughts read like a book, and full control established over their body.

Are There Benefits to Such Progress?

The answer is yes. The fact is that this technology is a lifeline for bedridden individuals and people with disabilities. There are many examples of its beneficial application in medicine: neuroprosthetics allow the deaf to hear, the paralyzed to move and speak. It can be used for research and treatment. In other words, neurointerfaces give people a chance at a new, full life.

Conclusion

Neurointerfaces are a modern technological trend. Their development continues to this day, facing ethical, technical, and legal challenges along the way. It is unknown when this technology will be accepted by society and begin to be widely applied. But already today, it helps those who believe their health problems are incurable.