BrainGate

An overview of the informative research hub and company

One day we may be able to control computers with our minds. This is the concept that drives researchers at BrainGate.org. They are dedicated to making brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) possible and have been working tirelessly to that end since their first experiments in 2002 at Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford, England. Later work was completed at Brown University and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Their research and technology rely on a multi-electrode array that places 100 electrodes inside the skull on the motor cortex. These electrodes receive data which is then decoded into movements, allowing paralyzed patients to move with the assistance of purpose-built robotic prosthetics. It even allows them to type and control a mouse with their thoughts. See the video below to witness a demonstration of this powerful brain-computer interface in action.

The Future of Brain Hacking | Vice on HBO (YouTube video)

Right now the process is invasive and reserved for paralyzed patients or those who have neurological diseases. Their technology has been refined to the point where patients can move a cursor on a computer screen just by imagining the motion of the arm or hand. It’s a complete breakthrough, and it is not hard to see how exciting the potential of this technology really is.

While BrainGate.org is a hub of info for the research of their multi-electrode array technology and licenses the intellectual property. BrainGate.com is the commercial arm of their operation. BrainGate owns Cyberkinetics, which the company purchased in 2009. Click here to learn more about BrainGate.

The Carboncopies Foundation doesn’t currently work with BarinGate but generally works with groups like BrainGate to align the output of these organizations for the eventual goal of achieving Whole Brain Emulation. If you are interested in Whole Brain Emulation and researching or advocating for it, please join us or donate.