Duke University Scientists Create Brain Implant That May Enable Communication From Thoughts Alone

Communication, , Cognitive, News

 A speech prosthetic developed by a collaborative team of Duke neuroscientists, neurosurgeons, and engineers can translate a person’s brain signals into what they’re trying to say.

Appearing Nov. 6 in the journal Nature Communications, the new technology might one day help people unable to talk due to neurological disorders regain the ability to communicate through a brain-computer interface.

Can mind-controlled VR games help stroke patients?

Communication, , Cognitive, News

A system which can translate human brain activity into actions without any physical movement is being developed by a neurotech firm called Cogitat. Read more about the brain-computer interface by Cogitat.

Brain-Machine Interface Device Predicts Internal Speech

Communication, News

New Caltech research is showing how devices implanted into people’s brains, called brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), can help predict a person’s internal monologue. The technology could be used to assist those affected with speech to effectively communicate. Read more about BMI predicting internal speech.

Brainwave-Reading Implant Helps Paralyzed Man Who Can't Speak Spell Out 1,150 Words

Communication, News

A participant, paralyzed and unable to speak or type, of the Brain-Computer Interface Restoration of Arm and Voice trial at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) was able to spell out over 1,000 words using a neuroprosthetic device that translates his brain waves into full sentences. Researchers were able to decode him silently miming the 26 letters of the phonetic alphabet. Read more about Brain-Computer Interface Restoration of Arm and Voice trial

Methodological Recommendations for Studies on the Daily Life Implementation of Implantable Communication-Brain–Computer Interfaces for Individuals With Locked-in Syndrome

Communication, Scholarly Article

Implantable brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) promise to be a viable means to restore communication in individuals with locked-in syndrome (LIS). For future clinical implementation of implantable communication-BCIs, there is a need to validate systems in daily life settings with more participants, and to improve the speed of communication. The paper provides an overview of procedures, as well as recommendations, for recruitment, screening, inclusion, imaging, hospital admission, implantation, training, and support of participants with LIS, for studies on daily life implementation of implantable communication-BCIs. Read more about Implantable brain–computer interfaces.

A systematic review of research on augmentative and alternative communication brain-computer interface systems for individuals with disabilities

Communication, Scholarly Article

Augmentative and alternative communication brain-computer interface (AAC-BCI) systems are intended to offer communication access to people with severe speech and physical impairment (SSPI) without requiring volitional movement. The aims of this systematic review were to (1) describe study, system, and participant characteristics reported in BCI research, (2) summarize the communication task performance of participants with disabilities using AAC-BCI systems, and (3) explore any differences in performance for participants with and without disabilities. Read more about Augmentative and alternative communication brain-computer interface.

Blackrock Neurotech and Pitt Work on First At-home BCI System for Remote Trials

Communication, News

BCI manufacturer Blackrock Neurotech and the University of Pittsburgh are working together to make studies more accessible to persons with paralysis with the use of a compact, remote Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) system that can be used at home. Read more about the new BCI.

World Intellectual Property Organization Report on Assistive Technology

Communication, Scholarly Article

The 2021 World Intellectual Property Organization Technology Trends report outlines the current and future implications of assistive technologies crossing over into consumer markets, creating greater access and independence for persons with disabilities. Read WIPO Technology Trends 2021: Assistive Technology.

New Synthetic AI Data May Improve Brain-Computer Interfaces

Communication, News

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are used in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to help improve how the system interprets brain activity. A new study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) apply deepfake AI technology in order to improve the performance of brain-computer interfaces to help those with speech impairment or mobility issues. AI Data for Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI).

Mobile EEG in Wearable BCI Devices for Persons with Disabilities

Physical, , Communication, , Cognitive, Video

In this webinar from Wearable Sensing, practical BCI devices are explored using dry electrode EEG headsets. Applications include Alternative and Augmented Communication for persons with speech or communication disabilities, robotic exoskeletons for persons with paralysis, and neurofeedback for persons with cognitive disabilities. Watch on-demand via YouTube.