Brain-Computer Interfaces: overview and predictions

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) allows a human brain and an external device to communicate via wireless signals. BCI is comprised of tiny threads that connect thousands of neurons to computer chips implanted in a skull. These chips then transmit the signals wirelessly to computers for processing by AI.

Before the idea of BCI is dismissed as science fiction, imagine that you were in Philadelphia on February 14, 1946, when ENIAC, the first programmable, electronic, general-purpose digital computer, was announced. ENIAC weighed around 30 tons, consumed 150 kW of electricity, cost over $7 million in 2019 dollars to build, and performed three square root operations a second. If a futurist in the audience started talking about today’s mobile phone technology, they would be laughed out of the room.

Ironically almost precisely 75 years later, on February 3, 2021, Elon Musk said that a monkey has been wired to play video games with its mind by a company he founded called Neuralink.

Extrapolate this 75 years into the future. It is not too far-fetched to imagine a world where BCI is pervasive and gives humans the ability to directly control machines and communicate with AI without the physical constraints of the body.?

What can we expect in the future?

Fitbit for your Brain: The cerebral cortex is responsible for many higher-order brain functions such as sensation, perception, memory, association, thought, and voluntary physical activity. Connecting BCI to the cortex will enable the training of a General AI engine, allowing telepathic powers. For example, memories could be saved and replayed back as part of the treatment for age-related dementia; Avatars could be directed to perform specific tasks.

BCI for Cranial Nerves: There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. These nerves control the smell, sight, hearing, and facial movement needed for speech. Attaching BCI to these nerves will enable sight and hearing.?

BCI for Quadriplegics: Quadriplegics who have brain or spinal injuries will be able to use BCI so that they can control a computer mouse, or their phone, or really any device just by thinking. This will lead towards a cure for paralysis.

BCI to Avatars and Robots: Communication with Avatars and Robots to perform specific tasks will be the first business use case for BCI.

Can you think of any other uses for BCI? Is this a field that you would recommend to someone just entering the workforce??

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The book will soon be available here: My author's page on Amazon

The book uses the framework of a science fiction novel that is a combination of thriller and mystery. The narrative follows the adventures of two young adults as they journey through life—one born in 2020 and the other 2170.

This provides the reader with the opportunity to compare how key trends in AI, robots, avatars, brain-computer interfaces, and quantum computing change in the near and long term. The reader also explores how the Toyota Production System and DevOps culture can be tailored to support new colonies on Mars and Venus.

How do these two childhoods, separated by almost 150 years, compare? How about later phases of life? How do society, technology, and philosophy change between the two time periods? Read and find out! I hope you enjoy!