Why I volunteered for brain-computer interface research | Scott Imbrie

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Technology & Spinal Cord Injuries - The University of Chicago is conducting a study using Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology to help people with spinal cord injuries, collaborating with the University of Pittsburgh and Northwestern University [1] - The goal of the study is to restore motor control and sensation to people with spinal cord injuries who have lost function of a hand or limb, with the hope of restoring independence [1] - BCI technology allows a participant to control a robotic arm and hand merely by thinking about it, with sensory feedback enabling the user to feel and sense the correct force needed to pick up objects [1] Impact & Statistics - In the US, there are 180,000 people with tetraplegia and 58,000 people with major arm amputations [3] - As of the time of the report, only 670 people have flown into outer space, while only 70 people have had electrodes implanted on their brains for things like speech, vision, and motor control [4] - Only 10 people have both motor control with sensory feedback via brain implants, highlighting the rarity and advancement of the technology [4] Funding & Purpose - The brain computer interface study was funded through the Department of Defense back in 2005 [4] - The goal of the funding was to help veterans of war who may have lost a hand, limb, or become quadriplegic [4] - BCI technology offers the possibility for people with limitations to operate computers and control devices, instilling a renewed belief and independence [4]