The Possible Future of Brain-Controlled Devices

In the 1970's, society always looked to the future with naïve optimism. Envisioned for the 21^st Century were flying cars, robots regularly used in homes, and a sterile-looking environment. Although the 1970's vision of the future has yet to come to realization, society has learned to use the technology that has been developed to make life easier.

Ovens that can be pre-set to cook meals and computers and phones that make it easier to connect with loved ones across the world, are in most of societies' daily lives. How about brain-controlled devices?

It sounds frightening, like George Orwell's novel, 1984, so many people tend to shy away from such things. But what if these brain-controlled devices could really help you or someone you love?

Researchers, such as Dr. Melody Moore Jackson, of Georgia Tech University's BrainLab, are working on exactly that - brain-controlled devices. Not controlling of the brain, but where a mere thought can make something move.

This type of device could be revolutionary for physically disabled people. Instead of having to depend on someone else to roll the wheelchair, the rider's thoughts could make it move. Instead of having to be bathed by a caretaker, a person could literally bathe himself with the aid of a robot. It really is mind-blowing with all of the possibilities out there.

This technology is called brain-computer interfaces, or BCI. There are two types: noninvasive and invasive. Both work with a computer and brain waves.

Noninvasive involves electrodes placed on the scalp. These types are already being used. They can be seen in hospitals where doctors can measure electrical activity of the brain to assist in certain diagnoses. There are even some used for video games, like Mindflex.

Invasive is where it gets a lot more personal. These electrodes are implanted directly into the brain. These are the ones that could help people suffering from diseases such as ALS or Parkinson's. Invasive is for those that really need the help. They could connect the device up with a compatible robot making life much easier for the disabled. The possibilities really are endless.

The military is already looking into these brain-controlled devices to be used for "silent Talk". Telepathy is also a possibility and could be used with soldiers on highly dangerous and secret missions. Worries are, though, that these devices could also be used as a way to control a soldier's behavior and force him to do monstrous deeds.

No matter what the future holds for brain-controlled devices, it is a fact that they are a reality. Before they could be used in mainstream society, though, cost would need to come down. As of now, the prices start at around $20,000 and go up from there. Those with physical disabilities would probably not be able to utilize it anytime soon.

Legislation would also need to be passed before even the military could use them. Strict rules would have to be in place and even then there are still ethical questions about using such devices.

As technology advances, more and more questions arise as to how it should all be put to use. There are always those who actually need these types of things to help them in their daily lives with simple functions that most of us take for granted. But on the flip side, there are always those who see the bad things they can do with advanced technology and will more than likely take advantage of it.

Sources:

www.cc.gatech.edu/brainlab
www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/12/30/brain.controlled.computers/index.html