A diverse coalition of academic researchers, medtech startups, and major technology firms are developing both invasive and non-invasive BMIs that translate brain activity into commands or deliver targeted neuromodulation. These closed-loop systems leverage AI-driven neural decoding to enhance motor rehabilitation and manage psychiatric conditions by providing real-time feedback.
Key points
- Invasive BMIs deploy implanted electrodes (e.g., ECoG, DBS) for high spatial-temporal resolution neural recording and stimulation.
- Non-invasive BMIs utilize EEG caps and near-infrared spectroscopy to capture brain signals with lower risk but reduced signal fidelity.
- AI-driven algorithms in closed-loop systems decode neural patterns in real time, enabling adaptive feedback to support stroke rehabilitation and psychiatric interventions.
Why it matters: Adaptive brain–machine interfaces enable precise, real-time neural control, promising paradigm-shifting advances in neurorehabilitation and psychiatric therapy.
Q&A
- What is a brain–machine interface?
- How do invasive and non-invasive BMIs differ?
- What is a closed-loop BMI architecture?
- What ethical concerns arise with therapeutic BMIs?