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Science | DOI: 10.1145/2001269.2001275
Kirk L. Kroeker
improving Brain-computer
interfaces
Researchers are demonstrating advances in restorative BCI systems
that are giving paralyzed individuals more effective ways to communicate,
move, and interact with their environment.

SPECULATIVE FICTIoN HAS long entertained the idea of humans interfacing with machines at the level of thought, resulting in enhancement technologies that not only sidestep the limitations associated with the fragile human body, but also supplement the brain’s own shortcomings in processing information or accessing data. While fictional renderings of human-machine interfaces typically take the form of supplementary enhancements for healthy individuals, scientists doing research in brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies have been developing innovative restorative strategies for those who have lost basic functions, such as sight, hearing, and movement.

BCI research, which draws on several fields, such as neuroscience, computer science, physics, and electrical engineering, has led to new developments in nontraditional approaches to the physiological problems that have been resistant to traditional medical solutions. These developments include deep brain stimulators for those who have Parkinson’s disease, cochlear implants

Brain-computer interface researcher Dawn taylor at the cleveland Va functional electrical stimulation center.