Ask HN: Why aren't brain computer interfaces consumer products yet? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Why aren't brain computer interfaces consumer products yet?

7 pointsjulienreszka12 comments

At least as input devices to replace or complement keyboard and mouse/touch?

When do you think they will be ready to be consumer products?

How much would you spend to buy one?

What kind of design would you like?

What would be a friendly process to calibrate and train the device to recognize your intents?

Who would benefit most from those devices?

Who would create most wealth from those devices?

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Because all the current technology which doesn't require surgery provides only a one-dimensional interface (the same amount of options as a keyboard with just one button) and requires too much time to modulate\activate (in the tens of seconds). It just isn't practical.

Higher speed BCI applications involve risky invasive procedures. They're complex, not without somewhat complex external hardware and have a tendency to drift over time (i.e. performance can get much worse over weeks/months). You generally want to avoid introducing risks for any infection or other complication in your brain.

I was searching for fun science projects for kids last weekend. And did stumble on Backyard Brains DIY neuroscience (EEG) kits ;)

https://backyardbrains.com/products/

There was a great article released a while ago when Elon Musk announced Neuralink. It was a lot about the technical obstacles to overcome, and they are impressive to say the least, I'll try and find the article.

Yes please I would like to read it :)

Can't seem to figure out how to edit my comment on mobile, here's the link: https://waitbutwhy.com/2017/04/neuralink.html

Thank you, I enjoyed reading this very much. Yes there are challenges, definitely.

a few years ago, a company called Emotiv got a lot of press (I believe through a TED talk). although I haven't followed them recently, it appeared that they were trying to figure out the killer app (no pun intended) for their tech. it seemed like they were leaning in the gaming area back then.

it seems on a practical level that people who have some neuromuscular disability would benefit immediately from BCI's. but maybe that is not a huge market for a startup/VC's?

Would you want to undergo invasive and high risk surgery for an interface that doesn’t do much or work efficiently because we don’t yet know quite nough about the brain, and that will probably be obsolete in 10 years?

there are non invasive devices are you aware of that?

Sure, but are they at all useful?

Ditto to the other comments. It's waayyyyyyyy too early. Just because articles exist about "brain-computer interfaces" doesn't mean it isn't hype.

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