Advances in brain-machine interfaces

Throughout history, the introduction of new technologies has significantly impacted human life in many different ways. Until now, however, each new artificial device or tool designed to enhance human motor, sensory, or cognitive capabilities has relied on explicit human motor behaviors (e.g., hand, finger, or foot movements), often augmented by automation, in order to translate the subject’s intent into concrete goals or final products. The increasing use of computers in our daily lives provides a clear example of such a trend. Yet, the realization of the full potential of the “digital revolution” has been hindered by its reliance on low bandwidth and relatively slow user-machine interfaces (e.g., keyboard, mouse). Because these user-machine interfaces are far removed from how the brain normally interacts with the surrounding environment, the potential of such a tool is limited by its inherent inability to be assimilated by the brain’s multiple internal representations as a continuous extension of our body appendices or sensory organs.

Duke Scholars

Author Miguel Angelo L. Nicolelis Neurobiology