f.a.q.
We are happy to answer your questions regarding BCIs. Is your question not listed here? You can always reach out to us.
A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a system that enables a user to control a computer based on their brain signals. The brain signals are measured by electrodes placed on the head, on the brain surface, or in the brain.
The brain signals are then transferred to a computer. The computer is programmed to recognize brain signals that are associated with specific movements, such as trying to move the hand. When the user attempts to move the hand, the computer will recognize the signal and translate it in a mouse click.
By trying to move the hand at the right time, the user can for example select letters in a spelling program. This way, people with severe paralysis can communicate (again), without the need to move their muscles.
Our research group is currently working on the development of BCIs for people with communication problems due to severe paralysis, for example people with late-stage ALS.
Severely paralyzed people with communication difficulties can use a BCI to communicate via a computer. With a BCI, they can type letters or sentences or scroll through a website. In the UMC Utrecht we are investigating how we can best enable this way of communication.
Abroad research is done on for example controlling a robotic arm using a BCI. There are also studies on in which situations BCIs can be used, for example to stimulate rehabilitation after stroke. A BCI can also be used by healthy people: several companies are working on BCI-based gaming.
To improve BCI technology more research is needed on brain functioning in general, but also on different BCI techniques. Our research group is trying to understand the brain signal patterns when someone is attempting to make a movement. There are also many technological developments that we need to study.
Because BCI is a relatively new technique, we also would like to hear from (potential) BCI users how we can improve BCI techniques. Besides, we are investigating how we can ensure that a BCI will not only work well in the lab, but also at the home of the user.