The Future of Consumer Neurotechnology, from a Future Neuroscientist
The environment of fast-paced innovation in consumer technology has been a perfect environment for the launch of many new neurotechnology companies. In the past decade, a range of neurotechnology companies have emerged in the consumer electronics space and there has been an accelerating increase in these types of companies and products.
As a current high schooler, growing up in the 21st century, technology has always been integrated into every component of my life. This new wave of accessible neurotechnology has captivated the imagination of my peers and me. Each new method of interaction with our virtual ecosystems has stimulated our interest from a technological perspective. We are seeing our ability to access information and networks expand rapidly. The degree of accessibility and simplicity, from a users perspective, of a brain to computer interface (BCI) has been something that we always have seen in our science fiction imagination. Now it is being introduced to the consumer market. These products are giving young future scientists the opportunity to develop a bridge between our minds and the virtual world, a space where we spend so much of our lives.
Dozens of startups have been founded with the aim of integrating non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology into the average citizen’s daily routine. Newer companies such as Neuro Therapeutics and Halo are working alongside longer-standing companies, such as InterAxon and Emotiv. Most of these utilize electroencephalography (EEG) technology. Shrinking and cheaper components have allowed these companies to create accessible, portable neurotechnology for consumers. In particular, students like me now have an unprecedented level of access to brain-computer interface technology.
The Muse headband offers an easy-to-use EEG device, promoted for use in meditation and wellness. The technology was originally released to the public in 2014 and an upgraded model was released in mid-2018. The Muse headband monitors and collects data on an individual’s brain activity during meditation, which allows it to give feedback on a session.
Emotiv is a San Francisco-based company that also produces and designs EEG headsets for consumers. Emotiv provides several headsets and types of software for a variety of neurotechnology applications. The Emotiv headsets, ranging from the basic INSIGHT headset to the higher end EPOC Flex, can be used for a spectrum of tasks ranging from a wearable brain performance tracker to laboratory research. The software provides a powerful platform for any consumer to use EEG technology. Students are able to use the software and various headsets to deep-dive into learning about EEG technology and neurological data analysis in a well established virtual environment.
Among the newer breed of consumer neurotech companies, Halo Neuroscience has pushed out 2 iterations of its Halo Sport headset. Halo Sport is aimed at increasing motor learning capabilities through noninvasive brain stimulation. The first Halo Sport was released in 2016 and rose to popularity due to its claim to improve learning efficiency. Recently, at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show, Halo Neuroscience unveiled the Halo Sport 2, which features upgrades in its brain-sensing technology, at a lower price to appeal to more consumers. The headset is also capable of functioning as a pair of normal headphones, which makes it an appealing piece of technology for athletes.
One new company named Neuro Therapeutics is offering a similar product, but aimed more at improving overall brain health. They designed the Versus headset that analyzes a user’s brain health and accordingly recommends brain exercises on a companion app. Interestingly, the Versus headset appears geared towards brain performance centers and major athletic organizations. Brain performance centers, such as Vitanya, specialize in offering neurotechnology and advice on how to increase the efficiency and productivity of an individual’s brain. Neuro Therapeutics has positioned the Versus headset as a product that can be used by these centers to improve their services. Although the effectivity of these brain performance centers is controversial, the Versus headset functions by recommending brain exercises based on the data collected through the headset to hypothetically boost brain performance. An article published in Psychology Today commented on how commercial brain and cognitive training may not be as effective as its marketing states; Versus claims, however, to be effective due to its ability to directly monitor an individual's brain activity. The headset’s functionality has also been shown to increase the performance of professional athletes through optimizing the performance of athletes’ brains with brain exercises. This has allowed Versus to market directly to large sports and athletics organizations such as Major League Baseball.
The Muse headset, Emotiv’s headsets, the Halo Sport, and the Versus headset are examples of technologies that collect signal data from the brain and provide feedback or stimulus based on that data. The data can then be analyzed, aggregated, and used to generate insights about the brain’s interaction with our environment. These new data-centric consumer neurotechnologies are readily creating, fostering, and augmenting a new interest in neuroscience and innovative technology amongst enthusiasts of all ages.
We are entering a new era. As a high school student with aspirations to become a neuroscientist, these well tested and accessible neurotechnologies provide a readily accessible avenue for the exploration of neuroscience. In addition to these consumer products, companies such as Backyard Brains and OpenBCI and communities such as NeuroTechX are actively providing materials, demonstrations, and information on how to set up our own neurotechnology projects. This new era of freely accessible neurotechnology is transforming the young person’s perspective on neuroscience research. What was once only possible at university laboratories can now be done at home.
Aayush Setty is a high school student at North Gwinnett High School in the metro Atlanta area. He is an advocate for neurotechnology and for facilitating interest in neuroscience for students of all ages.
