Neurotechnology

Neurotechnology is the field of devices, systems, and methods designed to interface with the nervous system to measure, interpret, or influence neural activity. It combines neuroscience, engineering, and computer science to create tools that can record brain signals, stimulate neural tissue, or translate neural information into control signals for external devices.

The approaches are broadly categorized as invasive and noninvasive. Invasive neurotechnologies include implantable electrodes and neuromodulation devices such as deep brain stimulation, which deliver electrical stimulation to targeted brain regions. Noninvasive methods include electroencephalography-based interfaces, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation. Neural prosthetics or brain-computer interfaces use neural signals to control assistive devices or computer interfaces.

Applications span medicine, research, and human-machine interaction. Clinically, neurotechnology can restore movement after paralysis, reduce the burden of epilepsy or depression, and aid communication for individuals with severe motor impairment. It is also used to study brain function, map neural circuits, and develop assistive technologies for sensory or cognitive deficits. In addition, some research explores augmentation or enhancement, raising additional ethical considerations.

Safety, privacy, and regulation are central concerns. Long-term biocompatibility, data security, informed consent, and equitable access are routinely discussed in ethics and policy forums. Regulatory oversight varies by country, with agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration and equivalent bodies providing pathways for clinical testing and medical use. The field continues to evolve toward more precise, autonomous, and user-centered systems.