Brain-Computer Interface
A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a direct communication pathway between the brain and an external device, enabling control or information exchange without using peripheral nerves or muscles. It typically involves acquiring brain signals (e.g., via EEG, fMRI, or implants), processing them to extract features, and translating them into commands for applications like prosthetics, communication aids, or entertainment systems. BCIs bridge neuroscience, engineering, and computing to assist people with disabilities or enhance human capabilities.
Developers should learn about BCIs when working on assistive technologies, medical devices, neurogaming, or human-computer interaction research, as they enable innovative solutions for paralysis, locked-in syndrome, or cognitive enhancement. It's also valuable for AI and machine learning projects involving brain data analysis, signal processing, or real-time systems, offering opportunities in healthcare, defense, and consumer electronics. Understanding BCIs helps in integrating hardware (sensors), software (algorithms), and user interfaces for direct neural control.