Brain implant allows paralyzed people to turn their thoughts into text

The system uses a set of micro-electrodes implanted in the brain that decode, in real time, the neural signals associated with the intention of moving a limb. The three people involved in the trial had electrode networks implanted on part of their motor cortex – the area of ​​the brain that helps control movement – that detected neuronal activity indicating that they were planning to move a cursor on the screen. These models were then sent to a virtual mouse wirelessly coupled to the tablet.

Using only their intentions, participants were able to perform a variety of common digital tasks, including browsing the web and sending e-mail. A participant ordered groceries online and played a digital piano. "The tablet has become a nature for me, very intuitive," she told researchers about her experience, according to the study. The system even allowed two of the participants to chat in real time.

Of course, brain-computer interface technology has been around for a few years now. What is remarkable about this study, however, is that BrainGate2 allows users to browse standard, unmodified, commercially available devices with no special features or modifications. And some basic adjustments could make the system even more accessible to users.

According to the report of the study, "participants navigated comfortably in the user interface although they do not have access to all the gestures commonly used on a tablet (click and drag, multitouch, for example). some functions such as scrolling up and down on the tablet.Web browser.Some of these limitations could have been overcome by activating the accessibility features present in the Android operating system or third-party programs In addition, the change of the keyboard layout of the Android operating system as we have done in previous reports would probably have increased the typing rates. "

Nevertheless, the results show that communication, mobility and independence can be partly restored for people who, moreover, do not have a good command of their environment and do not need expensive or specialized equipment – a major development that will have an extremely important impact. positive about the lives of people. people all over the world.