Brain-Computer Interface Technology: Helping Or Hacking?

Brain-computer interface (BCI) is a technology that agree to communicate between a human-brain with an external technology. The term can be referred to an interface that takes signals from the brain to an external piece of hardware that sends signals to the brain. There are different brain-computer interface technologies developed, through different methods and for diversified purposes, including in virtual reality technology.

Download PDF Brochure @ Click Here

BENEFITS OF BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACE

Despite BCI being in its initial stage of development, it is expected to provide several benefits to its users in various fields. Some of the major benefits of BCI are as follows:

Smart Technology

One of the biggest reasons why BCI is deemed as advanced technology is because it can make previously passive devices into ‘smart’ and active ones. An example of such devices is prosthetics. For instance, a prosthetics user can use this technology to hold a glass of water and drink using it just like using natural hands. Likewise, deaf and dumb people who want to communicate with each other can do so by utilizing this technology using BCI-controlled communication devices.

Telepresence

Telepresence is a technology that gives the ability to someone to make their presence felt, at a remote location, with the help of telerobotics. Telepresence, with the incorporation of BCI, can give military personnel the ability to keep an eye on any suspicious activity that might take place at the border. Telepresence can thus detect any suspicious activity and help combat it.

Fewer accidents

Car-related accidents are one of the most serious causes of death worldwide. A BCI-enabled car can thus prevent any such incident from occurring by recognizing what is going on in the driver’s mind and by taking the decision in just a matter of seconds. Automobile manufacturer Nissan has revealed that it is conducting research on a BCI-enabled car control system that will allow the system to slow the vehicle or turn the steering wheel 0.2 to 0.5 seconds faster than the driver himself. This technological innovation can potentially be a major breakthrough in the automobile industry.

RISKS OF BRAIN COMPUTER INTERFACE

The BCI system, being directly linked to the human brain, can have a negative impact on its users in case it is not utilized properly. Some of the potential risks associated with BCI are as follows:

Inaccuracy of results

The brain is a highly complex organ. Sometimes we ourselves are unable to understand what goes on in our minds. So it is unfair to expect man-made BCI to correctly interpret all our brain signals. BCI can, sometimes, misinterpret the user’s intentions. For instance, a disabled person with a prosthetic who actually wants to raise his index finger is not correctly identified by the BCI and this might result in lifting up of the middle finger. Hence, the inaccurate result is a huge risk that is associated with the BCI technology.

Bulky nature of the system

Since the BCI system involves the connection of several wires due to the interfacing between the brain and the computer, it can often result in an extremely uncomfortable user experience. This bulky nature of the BCI system, thereby, acts as one of the major cons of BCI technology since a lot of wiring involved could possibly put a lot of mental and physical stress on the user.

Lack of security

Whenever you buy or subscribe to a digital product or service, you expect security to be an essential requirement. In fact, in the case of BCI technology, the security of your data cannot be guaranteed. Due to the computerized system, anyone may decode what is going on in your mind and thus invade your privacy. For instance, in the case of BCI based military application, there might be a possibility that an attacker from a rival country be able to hack into any military personnel's mind and can eventually leak all confidential information. Since the scientists have revealed that within five years attackers can potentially be able to rewrite memories in people’s mind.

Key 10 Players influencing the industry

• Integra LifeSciences Corporation.,
• Mindmaze,
• CASMED,
• EMOTIV,
• Compumedics Limited,
• Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc.,
• Natus Medical Incorporated.,
• OpenBCI,
• Cadwell Industries, Inc.,
• Cortech Solutions, Inc.

Brain-Computer Interface Technology is Changing Fast, We’ll Help You Keep Up!

Ask For 150 Pages PDF of this study

References:

• allerin.com
• theinsightpartners.com