The Dawn of Brain-Computer Interfaces
A New Era in Human-Computer Interaction
A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a groundbreaking technology that enables direct communication between the brain and electronic devices. By capturing the brain’s electrophysiological signals, BCIs can interpret these signals to control computers, prosthetics, and other devices.
In our blog, we’ll explore this new realm of possibilities for human-machine interaction. And while Elon Musk’s Neuroalink brain implant has grabbed its share of headlines, we’ll also look at a company from AV’s portfolio with a compelling alternative that’s minimally invasive.
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THE BCI PROMISE
BCIs have the potential to dramatically improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, such as those who are paralyzed or have lost limbs. These interfaces can enable individuals with physical disabilities, neurological conditions, or spinal cord injuries to control prosthetic devices. For non-verbal individuals, BCIs can facilitate communication through eye movement and computer-augmented systems. Beyond healthcare, BCIs may also offer cognitive enhancement and a deeper understanding of brain functioning.
The BCI market is on a significant growth trajectory, with projections for an increase from $1.74 billion to $6.2 billion by the end of the decade. Non-invasive BCIs, in particular, are expected to dominate the market due to their safety and ease of use.
HEALTHCARE APPLICATIONS
The largest end-user of this technology is the healthcare sector. BCIs promise to usher in a new era of medical interventions. Here are some examples of how BCIs could improve lives:
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Restoring Mobility:
For the estimated 5.4 million Americans living with paralysis, BCIs could restore mobility and independence. For instance, brain-controlled wheelchairs are being developed to help people with physical disabilities maneuver using their thoughts. - Home
Prosthetic Control:
BCIs can enable individuals to control prosthetic limbs with their minds, allowing them to perform complex tasks with ease. The LUKE Arm, for example, allows users to manipulate the arm with remarkable precision thanks to motor BCIs that decode their intentions from neural signals. - Home
Communication for the Paralyzed:
People paralyzed by physical injuries or neurological disorders could use BCIs to communicate and regain control of their limbs. Ann, a survivor of a brainstem stroke, has regained her ability to communicate using cutting-edge BCI technology. - Home
Hearing Restoration:
Sensory BCIs designed for hearing aim to elevate auditory perception, allowing individuals to hear across a broader spectrum of frequencies or filter out specific sounds. - Home
Vision Restoration:
For individuals who are blind or visually impaired, technologies such as the Orion Visual Cortical Prosthesis offer hope by directly stimulating the visual cortex, transforming visual input from cameras into patterns of stimulation. - Home
Rehabilitation:
BCIs are being used in rehabilitation programs, such as motor training for stroke patients, where neural feedback in conjunction with robotic devices can aid in recovery.
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The Brain-Computer Interface: A Conversation with Precision Neuroscience CEO Michael Mager
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The Brain-Computer Interface: A Conversation with Precision Neuroscience CEO Michael Mager
NONMEDICAL USES
BCIs could have broader applications for any person, not just the disabled or sick. Potentially, BCIs could make people smarter, improve memory, speed, and accuracy, help with decision-making, monitor workloads and safety, and communicate with or control devices. A caveat for all these suggestions is that we still have much to learn about how the brain works, and there are ethical and security issues to consider.
BCI VENTURE STARTUPS
One example of a startup at the forefront of developing minimally invasive BCIs is Alumni Ventures’ portfolio company Precision Neuroscience. The company’s Layer 7 Cortical Interface is designed to restore neurological function for individuals with various health conditions. The company has conducted in-human clinical studies and is advancing towards clinical trials, aiming to mainstream BCIs from small-scale research labs to medical facilities. They were recently featured in a Wall Street Journal article.
AV isn’t alone in its interest in the technology. Multiple venture capital funds are actively investing in BCI businesses worldwide. The technology’s potential to benefit individuals severely disabled by neuromuscular disorders and improve rehabilitation for strokes, head injuries, and other psychological conditions is a significant factor in attracting investment.
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Conclusion
BCIs represents a transformative technology that not only promises to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities but also opens up new frontiers in human-computer interaction. With the backing of venture capital and the innovative approaches of companies like Precision Neuroscience, the future of BCIs is full of potential. For more on the trend, see our on-demand webinar here.
Citations
Grand View Research. (2021). Brain Computer Interface Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Invasive, Non-invasive), By Application (Healthcare, Smart Home Control), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 – 2030. [online] Available at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/brain-computer-interfaces-market
Brown, E. (2022). Precision Neuroscience: A Less Invasive Brain-Computer Interface. [online] Available at: https://www.neurotechreports.com/pages/precision-neuroscience-a-less-invasive-brain-computer-interface
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. (2013). One Degree of Separation: Paralysis and Spinal Cord Injury in the United States. [online] Available at: https://www.christopherreeve.org/living-with-paralysis/stats-about-paralysis
Parkinson’s Foundation. (n.d.). Statistics. [online] Available at: https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Statistics
Donoghue, J. P. (2015). Connecting cortex to machines: recent advances in brain interfaces. Nature Neuroscience, 18(11), 1369–1373. [online] Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.4138
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