Approaching the future with neurocomputer interfaces

VR-helmets have turned a once fantastic story of immersion into virtuality without getting out of your chair into a typical and even slightly banal scenario. The story from The Matrix is slowly becoming realistic. The idea of connecting the brain to the computer is being actively pursued by the technology giants. Consider how far they have come in their work on the neuro-computer interface (NCI), a device that is responsible for transferring information between the brain and the computer in both directions.

What claims are really valuable?

In 2008, NeuroSky unveiled a mind-controlled tabletop gameplay at a show. It was not possible to prove or disprove the veracity of this claim. In March 2020, Gabe Newell, the founder of Valve, announced that he was actively working on neurocomputer interfaces. Everyone was intrigued by the clarification that the “Matrix” scenario is much closer to reality than previously thought. The statement was spectacular, but the specifics were lacking.

There were only general phrases about theoretical research, and information about the launch of a special helmet for electroencephalography. The device is interesting, but has a number of significant drawbacks, including significant noise and too low a bandwidth (up to 100 bpm). The universe of Azeroth will have to be explored at this rate for several generations, one lifetime is definitely not enough.

Such delays are caused by the difficulty of overcoming skin and head-bone obstacles in the signal. But company employee Mike Embinder is confident that these difficulties can be fixed later. For now, the helmet is already capable

• read the player’s frequent movements and sharp reactions to certain events;
• analyze the user’s level of concentration;
• assess a person’s tension or relaxation during a game;
• calculate gameplay engagement levels.

This is no small list, electroencephalography cannot be written off, development is ongoing.

When to dive in?

At this stage, NKIs can only demonstrate feedback from the user. It will take years of development to achieve anything more. There is a belief in some circles that helmets will be needed for testers of virtual game projects. Analyzing a game through one’s own emotions could be a step closer to a new breakthrough. The next level is the ability to access the game’s perception of the user. This would allow the gameplay difficulty to be adjusted dynamically, based on the user’s own state.

Can we get away from the brain?!

The helmet is curious, but confusing and intimidating. CTRL-labs, bought out by giant Meta (still called Facebook at the time of the deal in 2019), was looking for an alternative. The creation of an electromyography bracelet is far less frightening. Muscles generate stronger and clearer signals than the brain. The bracelet analyses and studies the user’s movements in the process.

Developers claim that in a minute and a half, the gadget can already figure out a person’s movements in mini-games, and how many possibilities there are for upgrading! Plus the technique is safer than implants, helmets and other gizmos. If the person is paralysed, then attaching something to the head becomes justified. The main thing is that the signals affecting the brain will not aggravate his condition.

Moving from the present to the future

If we go back to the developers from Valve, they argue that the entry of NKI on the mass market will lead to the sudden appearance of many implants and their implantation in the brain. The capability will be useful for people with severe disabilities. It will be used as an assistive tool for paralysed patients. Ilon Musk announces the start of testing of the N1 implant for this category of people. The goal is for them to be able to walk and feel free in virtual space.

The NKI-enabled gaming industry will have to wait longer. CTRL-labs, which has managed to push the envelope the furthest, has so far only modestly specified that the bracelet will definitely not be out before 2024. Valve’s developers say more research will be needed.