A Clinical Roadmap for Brain–Neural Machine Interfaces: Trainees’ Perspectives on the 2013 International Workshop

IEEE Pulse, 2013 · DOI: 10.1109/MPUL.2013.2271686 · Published: September 1, 2013

Simple Explanation

Brain–neural machine interfaces (BNMIs) are systems that allow a user to control an artificial device, such as a computer cursor or a robotic limb, through imagined movements that are measured as neural activity. The 2013 International Workshop on Clinical Brain–Neural Machine Interface Systems brought together leading experts to discuss the current state of BNMIs and develop a roadmap for the implementation of neural interfaces. The conference used a hybrid model with plenary and “unconference”-style sessions to encourage open discussion on topics ranging from advancing BNMI technology to the ethics of implementing BNMI devices.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Researchers, program managers, industry representatives, end users of BNMI technology, medical centers and science media representatives, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The field of neural prosthetics for amputees is relatively well established, with reliable technologies and goals toward refining the prosthetics to make them more efficient and user friendly.
2
Researchers developing communication devices for locked-in patients currently need to develop a way to validate the performance of their BNMIs and to understand the neurophysiological signals they are recording.
3
Metrics, including engineering, clinical, and patient-centered factors, should be at the center of BMI-related research and clinical developments.

Research Summary

The 2013 International Workshop on Clinical Brain–Neural Machine Interface Systems aimed to create a clinical roadmap for BNMI development by involving researchers, industry representatives, program managers, clinicians, and end users. A key conclusion was that informal discussions were crucial for creating a comprehensive roadmap that includes the perspectives of all groups involved. The conference highlighted the complexity of unifying the field due to the diversity of potential end users and the parallel efforts by multiple groups with related but different goals.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Collaboration

Encourages collaboration between researchers, industry, funding agencies, and end-users to accelerate BNMI development.

Standardized Metrics

Highlights the necessity of developing standardized metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of BNMI systems across different applications.

Ethical Considerations

Stresses the importance of addressing ethical considerations, including managing public expectations and avoiding hype, in the development and implementation of BNMI technologies.

Study Limitations

1
The roadmap requires iterations and the hard work of subcommittees to produce.
2
The diversity of patient populations and technologies involved in BMI systems.
3
Limited understanding of underlying neural physiology

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