So here we are. The realisation of the cyberpunk dream of a perfect human-machine-hybrid is still a way ahead. We are getting closer, though, as new techniques for microstimulating the brain are developed, new methods for measuring brain-activity are under way, and microchip design and robotics continue to improve dramatically. Although on a limited scale, already today these technologies allow you to play a computer game by thought. And tehy are beginning to allow handicapped people to use their thoughts in order to control a computer, a television set, an artificial robot limb or a car.
Brain computer interfaces, or BCIs, fall into two big groups, the ones that stimulate brain cells, and the ones that record brain-activity in order to control some technical device. Group 1 contains interesting and in part already realised concepts like the cochlea implant, the artificial retina, and devices to treat epilepsy or to reduce pain. This site will focus on the second group, though: Actions from thoughts.