Computers are a pretty important part of our lives, however, unfortunately, not everyone can use them.
Researchers have taken another step toward bringing computers to everyone and are working on a brain computer interface that allows paralyzed people to use their brains to type at around six words per minute.
Six words per minute certainly isn't quick typing, but it is pretty impressive that users only need their brains in order to type.
The system uses a prosthetic, which is implanted into the brain of the user that is using the computer. Specifically, researchers are using a neural system called BrainGate 2.
It's important to note that the system is not yet ready for everyone, and it is still under experimentation, however, so far, results have been very promising. The volunteers for the study both have ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, which is a neural disorder that eventually results in complete paralysis.
The prosthetic itself is implanted right into a portion of the brain called the motor cortex, at a region called the "hand knob." These electrodes record different patterns of activity that occur when the person thinks about moving their finger on a trackpad. That neural activity is then turned into real activity on the computer screen.
Via: Slashgear
