Neural interfaces, brain-computer interfaces and other devices that blur the lines between mind and machine have extraordinary potential. These technologies could transform medicine and fundamentally change how we interact with technology and each other.
At the same time, neural interfaces raise critical ethical concerns over issues such as privacy, autonomy, human rights and equality of access.
This Royal Society Perspective takes a future-facing look into possible applications of neural and brain-computer interfaces, exploring the potential benefits and risks of the technologies and setting out a course towards maximising the former and minimising the latter.
Source: Youtube, September 10, 2019
youtu.be/K8uijjp6hfc
Credits Animation: Arc Studio https://arcstudio.co/
Sound design: watkinsonic http://www.watkinsonic.com/
How are neural and brain computer interfaces currently used?
Current technologies and applications include:
- Brain implants to treat Parkinson’s disease and tremor;
- Electrical foot stimulators to aid stroke recovery;
- Cochlear implants to convey sounds to people with hearing loss;
- Brain computer interfaces, typically EEG (electroencephalography)
- headsets, used by gamers to control digital objects;
- Transcranial stimulation used to boost memory or concentration.
How could neural and brain computer interfaces be used in the future?
Potential future applications may include:
- ‘Typing by brain’ and use of a ‘mental mouse’ to control computers and devices;
- Direct brain-to-brain communication, whether simple impulses or complex thoughts;
- Wider medical applications, such as for Alzheimer’s Disease and mental health conditions;
- Monitoring of brain activity to support health, safety and security;
- Augmentation of human memory, concentration and learning.
Source:
The Royal Society , “iHuman perspective: Neural interfaces”, September 10, 2019
https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/ihuman-perspective/
Facebook acquires Ctrl-labs to advance its brain-machine interface efforts
Built with CTRL-kit, this experience allows you to engage force and dynamic range to control things at a distance. Within this environment, you can exercise object and parameter manipulation, explore hand poses, and add custom events to “flick” items away or “snap” objects into assembly.
Facebook erwirbt Ctrl-Labs
Facebook sagte am Montag 23. September 2019, es habe einen Kaufvertrag für ein Startup abgeschlossen, das daran arbeite, Computer oder andere Geräte mithilfe von Gedanken anstelle von Tippen, Wischen oder Tastenanschlägen zu steuern.
CTRL-Labs werden Teil von Facebook Reality Labs mit dem Ziel, die Technologie zu perfektionieren und in Konsumgüter umzusetzen, so Andrew Bosworth, Vice President für Augmented und Virtual Reality im kalifornischen sozialen Netzwerk.
Quelle: CTRL-Labs
youtu.be/xl9BOyfOhFw