Surjo Soekadar, University of Tübingen

Next-generation brain-computer interfaces for restoration of brain function

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) translate electric, magnetic or metabolic brain activity into control signals of computers, machines or robots, enabling e.g. quadriplegics to control robotic devices with their brain activity (Soekadar et al. 2016, Science Robotics). Besides providing assistance in various tasks, an increasing number of studies suggest that BCI technology may be also used to purposefully modulate neuroplasticity facilitating restoration of brain function (Ushiba & Soekadar, 2016, Prog. Brain Res.). To advance BCI technology towards a broader spectrum of clinical applications, however, the relationship between brain physiology and brain function needs to be better understood. This talk will argue that both major challenges, the development of versatile and reliable clinical BCIs as well as uncovering the relationship between brain physiology and specific brain functions, can be achieved by combining two recent neurotechnological developments: 1. real-time analysis and interpretation of millisecond-to-millisecond brain activity, and 2. invasive and non- invasive electric or magnetic brain stimulation. Besides introducing the rationale behind such proposition, the talk will provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art and the challenges of combining BCIs and brain stimulation. The talk will close with a comprehensive discussion about the ethical and legal aspects of BCIs and how these could be addressed.

Organized by

Gabriel Curio/Margret Franke