With the rapid development, what are the new applications of brain-computer interface technology?

With rapid changes, what are the new applications of brain-computer interface technology?

According to the Workers’ Daily, at the end of May this year, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced that it will regard brain-computer interfaces as an important direction for cultivating future industrial development, strengthen the exploration of brain-computer interface application scenarios, and accelerate the development of the brain-computer interface industry. According to experts, as the application of new brain-computer interface technologies becomes increasingly widespread, we not only need to consider its contribution to human welfare, but also pay attention to its safety and ethical issues.

In terms of technological achievements, many scientific research teams and technological innovation enterprises in our country have made major breakthroughs in multiple fields. For example, in the practice of neurosurgery, brain-computer interface neuromodulation technology can be used to treat refractory depression; in the field of mind control, non-invasive brain-computer interface controls wheelchairs and cars, and quadriplegic patients control external robotic arms. Complete eating, handshake movements, etc.; in addition, there are brain-controlled typing systems, brain-controlled rehabilitation equipment, brain-computer equipment that assists sleep, and equipment that can monitor the mental state of the wearer.

Obviously, brain-computer interface technology has the ability to play a major positive role in real life, especially in assisting the disabled. But we cannot be "happy too early". In addition to solving the problems of research and autonomy of key core technologies and components, the safety and ethical issues involved in this technology cannot be ignored.

According to our understanding, implantable brain-computer interface devices, whether invasive or semi-invasive, have certain safety risks because the device needs to be placed in the brain. And due to the short development time of this technology, there is currently no evidence that the device itself or the mutual conversion between biological signals and digital signals has a negative impact on the human body after long-term wear/use.

In addition, security issues related to brain-computer interfaces also include data and privacy security, such as whether there are "backdoors" in these devices (including internal software). Of course, there are still a few actors who dare to explicitly plant vulnerabilities. However, as has been experienced in digital products such as PCs and mobile phones, who can guarantee ubiquitous push advertisements, excessive requests for various permissions, and cross jumps/ Shake to jump, etc. Will "psoriasis" not stick to brain-computer interface users?

In addition to safety, it is inclusive. Limited by high R&D and operation and maintenance costs, brain-computer interface-related equipment and technology can only be targeted at high-end consumers in the early to mid-term. Although its original intention is to benefit people with disabilities, it will be difficult for it to be truly popularized to those who are impoverished due to disability or have basic disabilities. For poor disabled groups, it may still take a long period of development.

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