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www.us-tech.com


Tech-Op-ed March, 2024 SOUNDING OFF


By Michael Skinner Editor


Brain Chips I


magine typing on a keyboard. Now imagine typing without using your fingers — just thoughts of the mechanical action of fingers on a keyboard causing letters to miraculously appear on screen. This


kind of interaction may soon be a reality through brain-computer in- terfaces. A brain-computer interface, or BCI, is a device that connects the


human brain to an external computer. This kind of connection can be made in a few ways, such as through invasive methods like implanted electrodes or chips, or non-invasive techniques like electroencephalog- raphy (EEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). BCIs have many possible applications in both medical and non-


medical settings. In the medical field, BCIs show promise for treating neurological conditions, such as paralysis, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. In other applications, BCIs could enable direct communication with a smart vehicle, driving without physically touching the car, or for basic use of a personal computer without physically touching it. Today, researchers and private companies have developed BCIs


that allow paralyzed individuals to control robotic limbs or computer cursors with only their thoughts, restoring some independence and mo- bility. BCIs also have potential for enhancing cognition, such as mem- ory recall or learning, through targeted stimulation of neural circuits. Founded by Elon Musk in 2016, Neuralink is one neurotechnol-


ogy company currently developing implantable BCIs. Recently, the company began human trials in which the human participant is now able to control a computer mouse by thinking. “Progress is good, patient seems to have made a full recovery …


and is able to control the mouse, move the mouse around the screen just by thinking,” Musk said in a conversation in an X Spaces event. “We’re trying to get as many button presses as possible from


thinking, so that’s what we’re currently working on is — can we get left mouse, right mouse, mouse down, mouse up,” he said, “which is kind of needed if you want to click and drag something, you need mouse down and to hold on mouse down.” Another company, Synchron, has developed a device that is im-


planted in the chest. Its system involves a small and flexible device that can pass through cerebral blood vessels, allowing it to implant in the brain and interpret electrical data emitted by neurons. BCIs have the potential to revolutionize human-computer inter-


action by providing more natural and intuitive interfaces, particular- ly for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility. Brain-computer interfaces are at the cutting edge of science and


technology and have implications far beyond the simple interaction with a computer. Communication between people could be possible, for example, using only thoughts, transmitting information wireless- ly from implanted chips. Cross-discipline collaboration is needed to address ethical con-


cerns as this technology becomes available to the public. We must en- sure that the technology reaches its full potential while safeguarding personal information and human well being. We still don’t know what kind of effects brain implants will have


on patients long-term, and we are not prepared for malicious actors in the space, such as hackers (imagine a computer virus in your brain), but the positives appear to outweigh the negatives at the mo- ment. While it may be years before we see widespread use of BCIs, the concept of brain chips is some serious food for thought. r


PUBLISHER’S NOTE


By Jacob Fattal Publisher


Anaheim, California. While we’ll miss the sunny skies of San Diego, the convention center in Anaheim is top notch and should house the show well over the next few years. This year’s show is also host to the Electronic Circuits World


APEX on the Horizon O


Convention (ECWC16), an international PCB symposium held every three years in various cities around the world. It offers a valuable platform that encourages knowledge sharing around PCB demand, manufacturing processes, and technologies, promoting the PCB in- dustry in every country and region. With the motto “What’s Next Becomes Now,” IPC APEX will of-


fer more than 100 technical sessions in electronics manufacturing, alongside the show. According to the IPC, the conference and profes- sional educational program features the highest quality technical content from experts representing three continents. Keynotes include presentations given by Paul Bailey, former


principle concept technical director for Walt Disney Imagineering, Dr. John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO, and Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. In addition to the latest and greatest manufacturing equipment


and technology, expect AI to have a significant presence at the show. Many companies have begun to incorporate artificial intelligence in- to their processes, augmenting and streamlining production data with the aim to make manufacturing more efficient. Other industry trends include automation and robotics and EV technology, the pace of which is driving ever more present component miniaturization and more densely packed printed circuit boards. We are excited to cover the show


and hope to see you there. Be sure to stop by booth #3933 and pick up the lat- est copy of U.S. Tech. r


ur sights are set on IPC APEX next month, the largest SMT event in North America and an annual staple of the trade show circuit. This year it’s scheduled to be held from April 9-11 in


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