BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACES AND NEUROTECHNOLOGY

Abstract

In recent decades, technological advances have created a new frontier between biology and engineering: brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). These systems enable direct communication between the human brain and external devices, eliminating the need for muscle intervention. Neurotechnology, a field that combines neuroscience, engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence, has expanded the capabilities of BCIs with promising applications, particularly in medicine. However, despite the progress already made, significant challenges remain, such as the inaccuracy of collected signals, the complexity of neural processing, and accessibility difficulties. Therefore, this paper aims to present a current overview of BCIs and neurotechnology. It is concluded that, by facilitating direct communication between the human brain and computer systems, these innovations usher in a new era of therapeutic, functional, and cognitive opportunities. From their theoretical development to current clinical and experimental implementations, BCIs have proven to be immensely valuable tools for patient recovery, supporting individuals with disabilities, and the search for new ways to interact with the digital world. Advances in brain signal capture techniques, improved decoding algorithms, and improved physical devices have enabled an increasingly precise connection between mind and machine, establishing this field as a strategic hub for scientific and technological innovation.