aivotietokoneliitäntöjä

Aivotietokoneliitännät, or Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) in English, are systems that enable direct communication pathways between a brain and an external device. These interfaces work by measuring brain activity, such as electrical signals from the scalp (EEG) or implanted electrodes, and translating these signals into commands that can control computers, prosthetics, or other technologies. The core principle involves detecting specific patterns in brainwaves that correspond to a user's intended actions.

BCIs have a wide range of potential applications. One of the most significant areas is in assisting individuals with severe motor disabilities, such as those caused by paralysis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). By allowing them to control devices with their thoughts, BCIs can restore a degree of independence in communication and environmental control. Research is also exploring BCIs for enhancing cognitive functions, for use in gaming and virtual reality, and for neurological rehabilitation after stroke or injury.

There are two main categories of BCIs: invasive and non-invasive. Invasive BCIs require surgery to implant electrodes directly into the brain, offering higher signal resolution but also carrying greater risks. Non-invasive BCIs, like EEG caps, are safer and easier to use but generally provide less precise data. The development of BCIs is an interdisciplinary field, drawing on neuroscience, engineering, computer science, and medicine, and it holds considerable promise for future technological and therapeutic advancements.