Frequently Asked Questions
We are happy to answer all your questions about BCIs.
Is your question not listed below? You can always reach out to us.
What is a Brain-Computer Interface and how does it work?
A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a system that enables a user to control a computer using brain signals. The brain signals are measured by electrodes that are placed on the scalp, on the brain surface, or in the brain itself. The brain signals are then sent to a computer. The computer is programmed to recognize the brain signals that correspond to specific movements, such as trying to move the hand. When the user tries to move his or her hand, the computer will recognize this signal and convert it into a mouse click. By thinking about moving the hand at the right moment, the user can, for example, select the desired letters in a spelling program. This allows people who are severely paralyzed to communicate (again) without the need for muscle movements.
Our research group is currently working on BCIs for people with severe paralysis and who have severe communication difficulties, for example people with late-stage ALS.
Severely paralyzed individuals 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 study how we can best facilitate this communication.
Researchers outside of the Netherlands are, amongst other applications, investigating if a robotic arm can be controlled by a BCI. There are also studies investigating the ways BCI technology can be used to aid rehabilitation after stroke. A BCI may also be used by healthy individuals, which is the focus of a few companies that are working on BCI applications in gaming.
In order to further improve BCIs, more research needs to be done on the brain and the technology behind BCIs. For example, our research group is trying to better understand what brain signals look like when someone tries to move. There are also many technological developments that we need to investigate. Because BCIs are still new, we would also like to hear from BCI users how we can improve BCIs. In addition, we would also like to investigate how we can ensure that a BCI not only works well in the lab, but also at home.