A Steadier Hand: The First Human Clinical Trial of a Single-Use Robotic-Assisted Surgical Device for Cochlear Implant Electrode Array Insertion

Hearing, Scholarly Article

The research reports the first human trial of a single-use robotic-assisted surgical device for cochlear implant electrode array insertion. The device successfully and safely inserted lateral wall cochlear implant electrode arrays from the three device manufacturers with devices approved but by the Food and Drug Administration. Read more about robotic-assisted surgical device for cochlear implant

A Bioengineered Cornea Shows It Can Improve People’s Sight

Vision, Scholarly Article

Researchers at Linköping University (LiU) and LinkoCare Life Sciences AB have developed a cornea implant from the collagen protein of pig skin. In a pilot study, the implant restored vision to 20 people with diseased corneas, most of whom were blind prior to receiving the implant. The new implant could be a viable alternative to human cornea transplantation. Read more about Bioengineered Cornea.

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.

Design-development of an At-home Modular Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Platform in a Case Study of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Physical, Scholarly Article

Amputee, clinician, and regulator perspectives on current and prospective upper extremity prosthetic technologies

Physical, Scholarly Article

Existing prosthetic technologies for people with upper limb amputation are being adopted at moderate rates. Once fitted for these devices, many upper limb amputees report not using them regularly or at all. The results of this study provide insight into amputee, clinician, and regulator priorities to inform future upper-limb prosthetic design and clinical trial protocol development. Read more about perspectives on prospective upper extremity prosthetic technologies.

Workshops of the eighth international brain–computer interface meeting: BCIs: the next frontier

Scholarly Article

The Eighth International Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) Meeting was held June 7–9, 2021 in a virtual format. The conference continued the BCI Meeting series’ interactive nature with 21 workshops covering the breadth of topics in BCI (also called brain–machine interface) research. The paper summarizes each workshop, provides background information and references for further study, summarizes discussions, and describes the resulting conclusion, challenges, or initiatives. Read more about Eighth International Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) Meeting.

OECD Recommendation on Responsible Innovation in Neurotechnology

Scholarly Article

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development adopted and published its international standard concerning novel neurotechnology by examining several key principles to guide governments and entrepreneurs in addressing legal, ethical and social matters. Responsible innovation, inclusivity, privacy, agency and many other complex issues are outlined in the official recommendation document, available in English and French. Read more from the OECD. 

Projections and the Potential Societal Impact of the Future of Neurotechnologies

Scholarly Article

In this article, brain-computer interface technology and its social implications are examined from the perspectives of engineering, law, neuroethics, and industry. The current and future use of non-invasive or minimally-invasive BCI products necessitates a look into several issues of access and regulation, among others, as this emerging technology is predicted to become widely available in the next two decades. Read more at Frontiers of Neuroscience. 

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.