Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI): Safe Neural Human-Machine Interaction

1. Status: Project phase

Background

The program researches the safe further development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). These neurotechnological systems make it possible to read electrical signals from the brain and use them to control external devices. A distinction is made between invasive BCIs, which implant electrodes directly into the brain, and non-invasive methods, which record signals via sensors on the scalp. A preliminary study investigated the challenges of data security, the protection of personal rights and the integrity of brain data. The resulting Brain Privacy Framework analyzes potential security risks and shows ways to design BCIs securely and responsibly. The findings of the preliminary study now form the basis for the development of a secure prototype that guarantees the user full control and transparency over the processed data.

Aim

The aim is to develop a neurotechnological prototype based on a non-invasive, passive BCI. The user does not have to give any conscious control commands – the machine interprets the mental states automatically. This enables intuitive human-machine interaction that sets new standards in safety technology. The results will lead to four demonstrators that will be tested in safety-critical applications. In the long term, this technology could revolutionize autonomous systems by enabling real-time adaptation to human cognitive and emotional states – without active input.

Disruptive Risk Research

We have commissioned the development of a prototype for a secure brain-computer interface based on the brain-privacy framework. After extensive testing and intensive rounds of negotiations, the 48-month research project “Neuroadaptivity for Autonomous Systems” (NAFAS) with a budget of 29.85 million euros will be carried out by Cottbus-based start-up Zander Laboratories GmbH.