Finally, Scientists Successfully Connect Human Brain With Computer Wirelessly

Illustration of wireless electronic product control (BrainMindLab)

JAKARTA - For the first time, scientists have succeeded in establishing a wireless connection that fully connects the human brain and computer. To be a breakthrough that will provide more benefits for those who suffer from paralysis.

A team of researchers from Brown University from Rhode Island, United States, developed the system. Named the BrainGate system, this computing system allows users to connect to computers wirelessly.

In the study, published in the journal IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, researchers used single-neuron resolution and full-broadband fidelity technology that is transmitted via a simple overhead transmitter.

Congrats to John Simeral et al. on their exciting new paper on home use of a wireless #iBCI #BrainGate device! @CarneyInstitute @brownengin @MGHNeurology @MGH_CNTR @VAResearch @stanford_ee

- BrainGate Team (@BrainGateTeam) April 2, 2021

After that, the team also tested the tool on two men who suffered from paralysis due to spinal cord injuries. The test results are recorded and included in the journal.

Meanwhile, the system developed by researchers works by connecting a transmitter device that is placed on the user's head with a transmitter electrode stored in the layer of the motor cortex. While the port used is a port that is also used on wireless systems.

As a result, users can point and click the cursor without moving the mouse. Not only that, but users can also type something on the screen, without touch.

Connected with the Mind

During the trial, both participants were able to print typing speed and point-and-click results with an accuracy similar to a wireless system. Users also continue to use the tool for 24 hours at their respective homes.

"The signal is recorded and transmitted with almost the same accuracy, meaning that we can use the same decoding algorithm as used in wired products", said one of the researchers, John Simeral, via Mashable, Tuesday, April 6.

According to John, the only difference between this new wireless connection and the previous type of connection is that users don't have to bother moving their computing equipment. So that it opens up many new possibilities related to the use of this system.

"With this system, we can find out the user's brain activity even though he is at home, in the long term, in ways that previously seemed impossible", said Leigh Hochberg, another researcher involved in the project.

Leigh said that this developer is a significant step in the field of Neural Interfacing. Any field that studies how to operate computer equipment without touch, right from the brain.

Yes, the same technology is also being developed by Elon Musk. In 2020, Musk's startup, Neuralink, showed off the results of a demonstration in which a pig named Gertrude had a computer chip implanted in his brain.

And early in 2021, Neuralink successfully implanted the same chip in Monyel's brain. Using this chip, the Neuralik team managed to make Monyel play video games!

With the emergence of this research, wireless device control is not impossible anymore. So, it is no longer surprising if we, in the not-so-distant future, can see people with paralysis enjoying using smartphones, just like any other human being who is physically healthy.