10 BCI-Controlled Devices We Might See in the future

Brain computing is one of the most anticipated future technologies to change our lives. So, companies are investing billions of pounds in the research and development of this technology. As a result, the market cap of brain computing is expected to reach 283 million US dollars in 2025. Moreover, some startups like OpenBCI are already designing modules to record impulses through an EEG sensor. So, what will be the future like with advancements in brain computing? Well, here are 10 BCI (brain-computer interface) applications we might see in the future:

1. Brain-Controlled Wheelchair

This can be a great invention for people suffering from physical disabilities or paralysis. To operate a brain-controlled wheelchair, the only effort the user has to make is to concentrate and decide where they want to move. The system will record the impulses generated by your brain and will devise the wheelchair to move in that specific direction. This wheelchair will require no physical effort to operate. While making such a wheelchair is possible, the system should have extremely minimal latency to move according to neural impulses instantly. So, is it possible in the future? Absolutely!

2. BCI Module that Detects Drowsy or Drunk Drivers

Drunk or drowsy driving causes many road accidents. Apart from legal consequences, driving in such a state is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. While someone might alert you if you’re driving with a person in your vehicle, there won’t be anyone to guide you when you’re driving alone. A helmet with a brainwave detection system embedded in it can monitor the changes in your neural impulses. Therefore, when you try to start your car while being drunk or drowsy, the system will stop the car from moving and display a message on the infotainment screen that you are incapable of driving.

3. Brain-Controlled Drone

Normally, you have to use a controller to navigate a drone or a copter. However, they are prone to physical damage. Moreover, you would also want to use your hands for other purposes. Therefore, a drone controlled through a BCI-based system can allow you to control a drone without using your hands. Instead, you must concentrate and send the impulses to move the drone in your desired direction. It can also allow you to meditate, making you feel like Scarlet Witch at the same time.

4. Telepathy

In the future, telepathy might not be a thing you can only see in science-fiction movies. It might be a reality and can contribute to other applications. Scientists can connect people’s minds and initiate a neural conversation through BCI. Reading others’ minds will be possible without using any sensory perceptions. However, it doesn’t mean every one of us will be like Professor X in the future. This is still a very farfetched task to make the application work using multi-channel electrodes. However, using BCI modules, researchers can study telepathy and who knows, it might open doors to many exciting possibilities.

5. Password Authentication Using Brainwaves

Most of our devices, including our phones and computers, are protected through a password. Some devices have fingerprint scanners, and some also use facial or iris recognition. While these methods are pretty secure, privacy invaders have found a way to bypass such rigorous security firewalls. So, what else can we do to ensure the security of highly sensitive devices? Well, you can set a password based on a brainwave pattern. Neural impulses are unique, and there’s no way anyone can replicate them. Therefore, it is one of the safest forms of biometric authentication.

6. Brain-Controlled Robotic Arm

People who have limb paralysis or disability can’t do most of their daily tasks. However, a robotic arm can help them do actions that require the use of their hands. Through BCI, the user can control an arm by concentrating on it and sending impulses. For example, if a fully paralysed person wants to write something on a whiteboard, he would concentrate or blink on the marker. The robotic arm can pick it up and start writing on the board according to your directions. It is also possible to have robotic limbs and control them using your brain.

7. Virtual Keyboard

Many people with disabilities or paralysis have to continue their work to earn a living. However, you can’t operate a keyboard without hands or any limbs. Brain computing can help these people use a computer without typing on a keyboard. Instead, they can make the computer sense their input through their EEG impulses. For example, if you want to write a 5-letter word, you can concentrate and imagine the letter and blink. If this technology advances further, disabled people can also do intensive computing tasks like web browsing and gaming.

8. BCI-Based Application that Avoids Sleep

Many times, we have to avoid sleep and concentrate on work. But sometimes, you have no control over your sleep and pass out instantly.

People have to use drinks or drugs high in caffeine and other anti-sedative chemicals. But, it’s is not a healthy habit, and these drugs can also ruin your sleeping habits and mental health. Through a BCI-based sleep monitoring application, you can monitor your sleeping habits. Also, you can mention the time at which you don’t want to sleep. So, whenever you feel drowsy and are about to pass out, the BCI system will alert you via an earphone or headphones.

9. Home Automation

Whether you live in a large bungalow or a small house, going to different rooms to close lights and other appliances is an annoying everyday chore. However, you can control different appliances around your house through a simple blink via brain computing. You don’t even have to look and concentrate on an appliance to operate it. Whatever you think in your brain generates unique impulses with different frequencies. For example, if you want to switch off your bedroom lights, you can think of it and blink. You’ll be able to close the lights without having to be in the room. This is quite useful for paralysed or disabled people.

10. Marketing

Now, how can brain computing innovate marketing? Well, it has become a data-driven field where you make decisions after analysing the behavior and preferences of your target audience. However, what if you can have the neural data of your audience? Companies have tried to influence their customers’ brains using subliminal ad messages in the past. But, through a BCI chip, you can observe how a customer’s brain works while deciding to buy something. It will help you use marketing methods that strongly impact the customer’s mentality and influence them to buy your product/service.

Brain computing is one of the most researched topics on the PhD level. However, you will have to write a convincing dissertation proposal first to write a dissertation on it. If you are not good at academic writing, you should opt for dissertation proposal help. You should also go for online thesis writing services to make sure you submit perfectly written papers.