International Assessment of Research and Development in Brain-computer Interfaces

Brain-computer interface (BCI) research deals with establishing communication pathways between the brain and external devices. BCI systems can be broadly classified depending on the placement of the electrodes used to detect and measure neurons firing in the brain: in invasive systems, electrodes are inserted directly into the cortex; in noninvasive systems, they are placed on the scalp and use electroencephalography or electrocorticography to detect neuron activity. This WTEC study was designed to gather information on worldwide status and trends in BCI research and to disseminate it to government decisionmakers and the research community. The study reviewed and assessed the state of the art in sensor technology, the bioticabiotic interface and biocompatibility, data analysis and modeling, hardware implementation, systems engineering, functional electrical stimulation, noninvasive communication systems, and cognitive and emotional neuroprostheses in academic research and industry. The WTEC panel identified several major trends in current and evolving BCI research in North America, Europe, and Asia. First, BCI research throughout the world is extensive, with the magnitude of that research clearly on the rise. Second, BCI research is rapidly approaching a level of first-generation medical practice; moreover, BCI research is expected to rapidly accelerate in nonmedical arenas of commerce as well, particularly in the gaming, automotive, and robotics industries. Third, the focus of BCI research throughout the world is decidedly uneven, with invasive BCIs almost exclusively centered in North America, noninvasive BCI systems evolving primarily from European and Asian efforts, and the integration of BCIs and robotics systems championed by Asian research programs. In terms of funding, BCI and brain-controlled robotics programs have been a hallmark of recent European research and technological development. The range and investment levels of multidisciplinary, multinational, multilaboratory programs in Europe appear to far exceed that of most university and government-funded BCI programs in the United States and Canada. Although several U.S. government programs are advancing neural prostheses and BCIs, private sources have yet to make a major impact on BCI research in North America generally. However, the U.S. Small Business Innovative Research grants (SBIRs) and Small Technology Transfer Research grants (STTRs) have been effective in promoting transition from basic research to precommercialized prototypes. In Asia, China is investing heavily in biological sciences and engineering in general, and the extent of investment in BCI and BCI-related research has grown particularly rapidly; still, the panel observed little coordination between various programs. Japanese universities, research institutes, and laboratories also are increasing their investment in BCI research. Japan is especially vigorous in pursuing nonmedical applications and exploiting its expertise in BCI-controlled robotics. The WTEC panel concludes that there are abundant and fertile opportunities for worldwide collaborations in BCI research and allied fields. WORLD TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION CENTER, INC. (WTEC) R. D. Shelton, President Michael DeHaemer, Executive Vice President Geoffrey M. Holdridge, Vice President for Government Services David Nelson, Vice President for Development Ben Benokraitis, Assistant Vice President Y. T. Chien, Senior Fellow Other WTEC Staff Members and Subcontractors Involved in this Study Hassan Ali, Director of International Study Operations Grant Lewison (Evaluametrics, Ltd.), Advance Contractor, Europe Gerald Hane (Globalvation), Advance Contractor, Asia Roan Horning, website development Maria L. DeCastro, manuscript development and support Patricia M.H. Johnson, Director of Publications Halyna Paikoush, Event Planner and Office Manager Richard E. Morrison, Editor