An introduction to Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI’s)
After watching the movie The Matrix for the first time, I was blown by the fact that Neo had the ability to learn Kung Fu in only seconds after not knowing how to seconds before. Personally, I would say that being able to learn kung is pretty awesome but not quite a reality…yet.
What is a BCI and How does it work?
Explanation: To put it in plain and simple terms, a BCI or a BMI (Brain Machine Interface) is essentially an interface between a brain and a computer/ machine that allows you to perform tasks such as controlling a prosthetic to manipulate an object.
How does it work: In the human brain, there are 100 trillion synapses that allow electrical signals to pass between cells. BCIs work by acquiring the electrical signals from the synapses by using machines such as an EEG to analyze the brain wave which is then sent to a device/s to implement a desired action.
What Companies are doing with BCI’s
The BCI industry is an intriguing industry that has attracted entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk to create BCI startups. But what do their companies do?
An example is the RNS system by Neuropace. The RNS system is a system for patients who suffer from epilepsy and have focal seizures. The system uses an implanted sensor that is flush with the skull under the scalp which is connected to wires located at the seizure focus/ focuses. The sensor is implanted and programmed by a doctor to give stimulation when needed to the focus of the seizure to prevent symptoms from happening.
Another example, is Elon Musk’s company Neuralink which is developing a thin mesh device that is inserted into a human’s skull. Neuralink aims to fuse brains with computer capabilities which will allow humans develop at the speed of AI and keep ahead of AI which he calls, humanity’s, “greatest existential threat.”
If this is the potentials of BCI’s…. Why isn’t everyone using it?
Like any other technology, BCI’s will have controversial philosophical implications. Some argue, that if a BCI device becomes a part of every day life, humans will rely upon the device more and more and with time may no longer consider it a third party deice, but a part of themselves. Which will disrupt the basic understanding of humanity and what is means to be human. Another argument is that if the use of BCI’s is integrated with our everyday activities, over time humans will rely solely upon the device and not have the ability to critically think, reflective think or creatively think. This may in effect, lead to the demise of Humans as the most dominant and intelligent species. Another argument from a sociology perspective is that due the fact that BCIs come with a price, it is only available to the upper class of society and is therefore not available to the lower classes. This will create further the segregation and competition between the two classes of society.
The big takeaway
- Process of a BCI
- BCIs have the ability to aid those with severe motor disabilities, improve memory capabilities etc.
- The BCI industry has attracted entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk to create BCI companies.
- There are controversial philosophical implications that surround BCI’s which may impact
a) the basic understanding of humanity and what is means to be human
b) humans’ ability to critically think, reflectively think, as well as creatively think
c) and may also create further segregation between the two classes of society.
