Neuralink has received approval for its feasibility trial, marking an advancement in neurotechnology. The company’s brain-computer interface (BCI) involves surgically implanting a coin-sized device called the N1 in the brain by a robot. Previous studies have shown that BCIs can be used to control robotic arms, with a team at the University of Pittsburgh demonstrating this capability in 2008. Neuralink’s system is wireless and has demonstrated the ability to control a computer cursor, but faces challenges in achieving BCI control of an assistive robotic arm due to calibration needs.
Background on Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)
A BCI is a system that allows people to directly control outside devices with their brain waves. Neuralink’s BCI involves a coin-sized device called N1 that is surgically implanted in the brain by a robot. The company is currently evaluating the safety of its BCI, as well as its ability to control a computer in individuals with paralysis.
Previous Studies on BCIs
Previous studies have shown that BCIs can be used to control robotic arms. In 2008, a team led by Andrew Schwartz at the University of Pittsburgh showed that a monkey could control a robotic arm to feed itself using signals from its brain. Researchers then moved on to human volunteers, with two people paralyzed due to stroke being able to guide a robotic arm to reach and grasp objects simply by thinking about it in a 2012 study published in Nature.
Quotes and Statements
Marcus Gerhardt, CEO and cofounder of Blackrock Neurotech, congratulated Neuralink on receiving approval for their feasibility trial, saying that every advancement in neurotechnology moves us closer to empowering individuals with neurological disorders.
Neuralink’s Approach
Neuralink’s system is wireless and has demonstrated the ability to control a computer cursor using its BCI. Study participant Noland Arbaugh was able to play chess and other games on a computer using the Neuralink device. However, the implant started to malfunction in Arbaugh’s case, causing him to temporarily lose cursor control.
Future Plans
Quotes
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“Every advancement in neurotechnology moves us closer to empowering individuals with neurological disorders.” – Brian Dekleva, research scientist at the Rehab Neural Engineering Labs at the University of Pittsburgh
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“We congratulate Neuralink on receiving approval for their feasibility trial.” – Marcus Gerhardt, CEO and cofounder of Blackrock Neurotech
Overview
Background
A BCI is a system that allows individuals to directly control outside devices with their brain waves. Neuralink’s BCI involves surgically implanting a coin-sized device called the N1 in the brain by a robot. The company is currently evaluating the safety of its BCI and its ability to control a computer in individuals with paralysis.
Previous Studies
Previous studies have shown that BCIs can be used to control robotic arms. In 2008, a team led by Andrew Schwartz at the University of Pittsburgh demonstrated that a monkey could control a robotic arm to feed itself using signals from its brain. Human volunteers have also been able to guide a robotic arm to reach and grasp objects simply by thinking about it.
Challenges
The biggest challenge in achieving BCI control of an assistive robotic arm is the need for calibration. The more complicated the control, the longer the calibration process will take. Researchers are working to overcome this limitation so that people with paralysis can carry out simple daily tasks without assistance.
Neuralink’s system is wireless, which is an improvement over clunky setups that required running a cable from the research participants’ head to a computer. The company has demonstrated that its BCI can be used to control a computer cursor in a video on X, where study participant Noland Arbaugh was shown using the Neuralink device to play chess and other games on a computer.
Upcoming Study
Challenges and Limitations
The biggest challenge in achieving BCI control of an assistive robotic arm is the need for calibration. As Brian Dekleva, a research scientist at the Rehab Neural Engineering Labs at the University of Pittsburgh, notes, “The more complicated the control, the more degrees of freedom you add, the longer the calibration is going to take in general.” People do not want to sit and do a half-hour calibration at the beginning of each day so that they can use their device.
