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'''BrainGate''' is a [[neural interface system]] that is currently under development and in clinical trials, by the company [[Cyberkinetics]]. The system is designed to help those who have lost control of their limbs, or other bodily functions, due to various [[neurological disorders]] such as [[spinal cord injury]], [[stroke]], [[muscular dystrophy]], [[amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] or [[cerebral palsy]].
{{Short description|Brain-computer interface system}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
 
== BrainGate ==
[[File:BrainGate.jpg|thumb|right|Diagram of the BrainGate system]]
'''BrainGate''' is a [[brain-computer interface]] (BCI) system that is designed to help individuals with severe motor impairments. It allows users to control external devices using their neural activity. The system is primarily aimed at individuals who have lost the ability to move due to conditions such as [[amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] (ALS), [[spinal cord injury]], or [[stroke]].


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
The BrainGate system works by implanting a small sensor in the [[motor cortex]] of the brain, which is the area responsible for voluntary movement. This sensor detects neural signals associated with the intention to move and transmits them to an external device. The signals are then decoded by a computer, which translates them into commands that can control a computer cursor, robotic arm, or other assistive devices.
== Components ==
The BrainGate system consists of several key components:
* '''Implantable Sensor''': A tiny array of electrodes is implanted in the motor cortex. This sensor records the electrical activity of neurons.
* '''Signal Processing Unit''': The neural signals are transmitted to a signal processing unit that amplifies and digitizes them.
* '''Decoder''': A computer algorithm decodes the neural signals into actionable commands.
* '''External Device''': The decoded signals are used to control an external device, such as a computer cursor or robotic limb.


The BrainGate [[Neural Interface Device]] is a proprietary brain-computer interface that consists of an internal neural signal sensor and external processors that convert neural signals into an output signal under the users own control. The sensor consists of a tiny chip smaller than a baby aspirin, with one hundred electrode sensors each thinner than a hair that detect brain cell electrical activity.
== Functionality ==
The primary function of BrainGate is to restore communication and mobility to individuals with severe motor impairments. By translating neural activity into digital commands, users can interact with their environment in ways that were previously impossible. For example, a person with quadriplegia can use BrainGate to operate a computer, communicate via email, or control a wheelchair.


== Clinical Trials ==
== Clinical Trials ==
BrainGate has undergone several clinical trials to assess its safety and efficacy. These trials have demonstrated that users can achieve significant control over external devices, with some participants able to perform complex tasks such as typing or controlling a robotic arm. The trials have also provided valuable insights into the long-term viability of the system and its potential for widespread clinical use.


The BrainGate system is currently in clinical trials. In its current form, BrainGate allows a user to move a cursor around a computer screen and click on an icon. The user does this by imagining the movement of their own hand. The sensor translates that activity into the movement of the cursor. The BrainGate system is not yet FDA approved, and is currently in clinical trials.
== Future Developments ==
 
Research and development of the BrainGate system continue to advance. Future improvements may include wireless transmission of neural signals, increased electrode density for more precise control, and integration with other assistive technologies. The ultimate goal is to create a seamless interface that can be used by individuals with a wide range of disabilities.
== See Also ==


== Related pages ==
* [[Neuroprosthetics]]
* [[Neural engineering]]
* [[Neural engineering]]
* [[Neuroprosthetics]]
* [[Assistive technology]]
* [[Brain–computer interface]]
* [[Neuroplasticity]]
* [[Cyberkinetics]]
* [[Neurotechnology]]
 
== References ==
 
<references />
 
== External Links ==
 
* [https://www.braingate.com/ Official BrainGate Website]
 
[[Category:Neuroprosthetics]]
[[Category:Neurotechnology]]
[[Category:Medical devices]]
[[Category:Neural engineering]]
[[Category:Brain–computer interfacing]]


{{stub}}
[[Category:Brain-computer interfacing]]
[[Category:Assistive technology]]
[[Category:Neuroscience]]

Latest revision as of 02:28, 19 February 2025

Brain-computer interface system



BrainGate[edit]

Diagram of the BrainGate system

BrainGate is a brain-computer interface (BCI) system that is designed to help individuals with severe motor impairments. It allows users to control external devices using their neural activity. The system is primarily aimed at individuals who have lost the ability to move due to conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injury, or stroke.

Overview[edit]

The BrainGate system works by implanting a small sensor in the motor cortex of the brain, which is the area responsible for voluntary movement. This sensor detects neural signals associated with the intention to move and transmits them to an external device. The signals are then decoded by a computer, which translates them into commands that can control a computer cursor, robotic arm, or other assistive devices.

Components[edit]

The BrainGate system consists of several key components:

  • Implantable Sensor: A tiny array of electrodes is implanted in the motor cortex. This sensor records the electrical activity of neurons.
  • Signal Processing Unit: The neural signals are transmitted to a signal processing unit that amplifies and digitizes them.
  • Decoder: A computer algorithm decodes the neural signals into actionable commands.
  • External Device: The decoded signals are used to control an external device, such as a computer cursor or robotic limb.

Functionality[edit]

The primary function of BrainGate is to restore communication and mobility to individuals with severe motor impairments. By translating neural activity into digital commands, users can interact with their environment in ways that were previously impossible. For example, a person with quadriplegia can use BrainGate to operate a computer, communicate via email, or control a wheelchair.

Clinical Trials[edit]

BrainGate has undergone several clinical trials to assess its safety and efficacy. These trials have demonstrated that users can achieve significant control over external devices, with some participants able to perform complex tasks such as typing or controlling a robotic arm. The trials have also provided valuable insights into the long-term viability of the system and its potential for widespread clinical use.

Future Developments[edit]

Research and development of the BrainGate system continue to advance. Future improvements may include wireless transmission of neural signals, increased electrode density for more precise control, and integration with other assistive technologies. The ultimate goal is to create a seamless interface that can be used by individuals with a wide range of disabilities.

Related pages[edit]