Neurobionics and the brain–computer interface: current applications and future horizons

Abstract

The brain-computer interface (BCI) is an exciting advance in neuroscience and engineering. In a motor BCI, electrical recordings from the motor cortex of paralysed humans are decoded by a computer and used to drive robotic arms or to restore movement in a paralysed hand by stimulating the muscles in the forearm. Simultaneously integrating a BCI with the sensory cortex will further enhance dexterity and fine control. BCIs are also being developed to: provide ambulation for paraplegic patients through controlling robotic exoskeletons; restore vision in people with acquired blindness; detect and control epileptic seizures; and improve control of movement disorders and memory enhancement. High-fidelity connectivity with small groups of neurons requires microelectrode placement in the cerebral cortex. Electrodes placed on the cortical surface are less invasive but produce inferior fidelity. Scalp surface recording using electroencephalography is much less precise. BCI technology is still in an early phase of development and awaits further technical improvements and larger multicentre clinical trials before wider clinical application and impact on the care of people with disabilities. There are also many ethical challenges to explore as this technology evolves.

Interfaces with the peripheral nervous system for the control of a neuroprosthetic limb: a review

“…The nervous system is composed of a central and peripheral system. Communication and interfacing with the two systems have been described [3,4]. Interfacing with the peripheral nervous system (PNS) will be the focus of this review.…”

The Self-Face Paradigm Improves the Performance of the P300-Speller System

“…A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a communication technology based on brain activity. BCIs allow severely disabled patients, especially patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, to send messages or control external devices without physical actions (Thompson et al, 2013;Rosenfeld and Wong, 2017;Lazarou et al, 2018). BCIs can also help restore function in patients with severe motor disabilities, including patients with spinal cord injury, stroke, neuromuscular disorder, and limb amputation (Takeuchi et al, 2015;Carelli et al, 2017;Wang et al, 2019).…”

Interfacing with the nervous system: a review of current bioelectric technologies

“…Currently, non-invasive BCIs have been demonstrated to have therapeutic potential in enabling software-aided communication [20] and robotassisted object manipulation (e.g., picking up a glass of water) [143] in advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with locked-in syndrome. Additionally, BCIs have exhibited great potential in aiding paraplegics with recovery [120,162]. Nenadic et al successfully used an EEG exoskeleton coupled with an augmented reality training platform to provide superior physical rehabilitation to a paraplegic spinal cord injury patient that enabled him to regain some gait function [61,157].…”