The history of brain-computer interface (BCI) research can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when scientists first began to study the electrical activity of the brain. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that the first attempts were made to use this knowledge to develop BCI technologies. Here is a brief overview of some key milestones in the history of BCI research:
- 1950s-1960s: The first attempts at developing BCI technology were made in the 1950s and 1960s. Researchers used electrodes to record brain activity and attempted to use this information to control simple devices such as lights and cursors on a screen.
- 1970s-1980s: The development of new recording technologies, such as the electroencephalogram (EEG), allowed for more accurate recording of brain activity. Researchers began to focus on developing BCI systems that could be used by people with disabilities, such as those with spinal cord injuries.
- 1990s-2000s: Advances in computing and signal processing allowed for more sophisticated BCI systems to be developed. Researchers began to focus on developing non-invasive BCI systems that could be used by a wider range of people, including those with neurological disorders such as ALS and Parkinson's disease.
- 2000s-2010s: With the development of machine learning techniques, BCI systems became more sophisticated and accurate. The development of implantable devices that can record brain activity with high resolution and wirelessly communicate with external devices also began to take place.
- 2020s : With the advent of deep learning techniques and more sophisticated data analysis techniques, BCI systems are becoming more accurate and efficient. Researchers are focusing on developing more sophisticated and user-friendly BCI interfaces, as well as exploring new potential applications such as rehabilitation and cognitive enhancement.
It is worth noting that Brain-computer interface research is an interdisciplinary field that involves collaboration between engineers, neuroscientists, computer scientists, and medical professionals. Also, it's an active field with new developments and breakthroughs happening regularly.