Advances in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology have made it possible to control machines with one’s mind a reality. These systems enable direct communication between the brain and an external device by detecting and interpreting brain signals, translating them into commands.
BCIs are being used to restore movement to people who have lost motor control due to conditions such as paralysis, stroke, or spinal cord injury. Traditional therapies often struggle to repair or reroute damaged neural pathways, but BCIs offer a workaround by bypassing the injury altogether.
In January 2024, Neuralink implanted its first patient with a BCI, and in January 2025, Motif Neurotech won a funding grant to advance its therapeutic BCI technology for treating cognitive and psychiatric conditions. Other companies, such as Inbrain Neuroelectronics, Onward Medical, and CorTec, are making significant advances in BCI technology.
The market for BCIs is expected to grow significantly, with Grand View Research estimating that it could be worth $6.2 billion by 2030. Human stories behind the science include Keith Thomas, who regained motor control after undergoing a double neural bypass surgery, and a man paralysed by stroke who was able to control a robotic arm using a BCI.
BCI systems use ultra-fine electrodes that pick up electrical activity with acute precision, tracking the firing of individual neurons. Advanced BCIs also use machine learning algorithms to convert brain signals into actionable data. Companies like Alleima offer OEMs customised solutions and agile development processes to support the development of BCI systems.
As BCIs continue to advance, they may have the potential to help individuals with memory loss, severe depression, or PTSD. They could also enable targeted brain stimulation therapies that are more precise than current pharmaceutical treatments.
Source: https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/sponsored/thinking-forward-the-power-of-brain-computer-interfaces