The innovation is part of research into brain-computer interfaces (接口) to help improve the lives of people with motor disabilities. The researchers included machine learning capabilities with their brain-computer interface, making it a one-size-fits-all solution.

Typically, these devices require extensive adjustment for each user- every brain is different, both for healthy and disabled users- and that has been a major hurdle to mainstream adoption. This new solution can quickly understand the needs of an individual subject and self-adjust through repetition. That means multiple patients could use the device without needing to tune it to the individual.

In a clinical setting, the subjects wear a cap packed with electrodes (电极) that is connected to a computer. The electrodes gather data by measuring electrical signals from the brain, and the decoder translates the brain signals into commands, which are used to control devices or applications. In this case, the decoded signals are translated into actions in a car racing game and a simpler task involving balancing a digital bar. Subjects were trained simultaneously for both the simpler bar game and the more complex car racing game, thus improving their brain function.

The researchers call this work foundational, in that it sets the stage for further brain-computer interface innovation. This project used 18 subjects with no motor disabilities. As they continue down this road, they will test this on people with motor disabilities to apply it to larger groups in clinical settings. “To achieve this, we need to improve our technology to make it easier to use,’ Millan. a professor in the University of Texas says.

On the side of translating the research, Millan and his team continue to work on a wheelchair that users can drive with the brain- computer interface. At the South by Southwest Conference and Festivals this month, the researchers showed off another potential use of the technology. controlling two rehabilitation (康复) robots for the hand and arm. This was not part of the new paper but a sign of where this technology could go in the future. “We’ll continue down this path wherever it takes us in the pursuit of helping people.” Millan says.

【小题1】Who will benefit the most from the Brain-Computer Interface innovation?

A．People with physical disabilities.	B．Businessmen selling wheelchairs.
C．Students seeking academic improvement.	D．Athletes seeking performance enhancement.

【小题2】What is the main advantage of the new solution?

A．Faster adjustment process.	B．Decreased need for tuning.
C．Improved mainstream adoption.	D．Quick understanding of commands.

【小题3】What is the function of electrodes?

A．Translating signals.	B．Measuring brain signals.
C．Controlling devices.	D．Enhancing brain function.

【小题4】What is the probable focus of Millan and his team’s future work?

A．Exploring hand and arm rehabilitation.

B．Showcasing technology at conferences.

C．Translating and publishing research papers.

D．Enhancing brain- computer interface technology.