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Source: The post is based on the article “New brain-computer interface device gives voice to paralysed” published in Deccan Herald on 25th August 2023.
What is the News?
Researchers have developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) that has enabled a woman with severe paralysis from a brainstem stroke to speak through a digital avatar.
It is the first time that either speech or facial expressions have been synthesized from brain signals.
What is Brain-Computer Interface(BCI)?
A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), also known as a Brain-Machine Interface (BMI), is a technology that establishes a direct communication pathway between the human brain and external devices or computers.
BCIs are designed to enable individuals to interact with and control these external devices using only their brain activity, bypassing traditional routes such as muscle movements or physical inputs.
What are the potential applications of Brain-Computer Interface(BCI)?
Assistive Technology: BCIs can empower individuals with paralysis or motor disabilities to regain communication and control over their environment.
Neurorehabilitation: They are used in therapy and rehabilitation programs to help patients recover lost motor functions after injuries or strokes.
Research: BCIs play a crucial role in neuroscience research, allowing scientists to study brain activity patterns and understand the brain’s functions better.
Enhanced Control: BCIs have applications in fields like gaming, allowing players to control characters or devices using their thoughts.
Some researchers have noted some concerns related to BCIs. For example, BCIs could be vulnerable to cyberattacks that expose brain data or interfere with a device’s function.
Reported costs of wearable BCIs range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, which may result in unequal access.
Further, translation of brain signals to speech by a BCI could cause harm if it is not accurate. For example, inaccurate translation might indicate legal or medical consent that the person did not intend to give.
