SpiralE redefines brain-computer interfaces

A team of engineers from China, consisting of representatives from several educational institutions, developed a new type of brain-computer interface that is easy to insert and remove from the ear canal. According to their study, published in the journal Nature Communications, a new type of interface has been created that is less invasive than existing devices.

The brain-computer interface is a device that allows communication between the brain and a computer. The vast majority of these devices operate in one-way mode. They are used to listen to brain waves in order to convert them into text or electronic signals that can be used to control other devices, such as a wheelchair.

However, most existing brain-computer interfaces have a significant drawback – their invasiveness. Current approaches involve the use of electrodes attached to the scalp or microneedles penetrating the skull. The new interface, developed by the Chinese team, is not only less invasive, but can be easily connected and disconnected.

The new cork-shaped interface is called SpiralE. It can be inserted into the ear canal by rotating it in one direction and removed by rotating it in the opposite direction. The device is mainly made up of soft material, which makes it comfortable to wear. The design allows sound waves to pass freely, ensuring that there is no hearing loss. The soft material also prevents echoes inside the helix.

The research team suggests that SpiralE could open the door to new applications for brain-computer interfaces due to its ease of use. Experts present the development of applications that convert full thoughts into text, manipulate objects in the real and virtual worlds, and possibly improve memory.