The revolution of the interface between the brain and the computer is just beginning.

Connecting brains to computers is a topic that has been explored in science fiction, but today it has become a real area of study, especially thanks to advances in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). These technologies, which have rapidly progressed from research to clinical trials with humans, present exciting opportunities to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. However, their development faces significant technical, ethical, and regulatory challenges.

BCIs act as a bridge between the brain's electrical activity and external digital devices, allowing users to interact with their environment without the use of muscles. This technology began in the 1920s with the electroencephalogram (EEG) and evolved in the 1970s when Dr. Jacques Vidal from UCLA coined the term "brain-computer interface." Over the decades, BCIs have found clinical applications ranging from brain assessment to enhancing motor and cognitive abilities.

Contrary to what many may think, not all BCIs require brain surgery. There are non-invasive models like EEGs and MRIs, which simply record brain activity. However, these face issues related to signal quality, as interference makes accurate decoding challenging. Additionally, prolonged use of these devices can be uncomfortable. Implantable versions, like those developed by Neuralink, offer a more stable solution by obtaining electrical signals directly from brain tissue, but they also bring with them fears about surgery and bodily invasion.

Neuralink, after receiving FDA approval in 2023, performed the first chip implantation surgery in humans in January 2024. The initial results have been promising, showing patients controlling devices solely with their minds. Other companies in this field, such as Synchron and BrainGate, are also making significant progress in BCI research.

BCIs offer the potential to transform multiple areas, from medicine to entertainment. However, challenges persist, especially regarding the long-term stability of the devices and the need for significant training for users to master their control. Additionally, ethical and privacy issues arise concerning the handling of the data generated by these technologies.

Public expectations are another major concern, as popular discourse tends to exaggerate the possibilities of BCIs. Researchers emphasize the need for a realistic and educational approach to the current limits of this technology, hoping that, although the path ahead may seem long, today's advances are laying the groundwork for an exciting future.