Research and development of brain-machine interfacing (BMI) systems and related neurotechnologies are at a crucial stage in their history. Progress in sensing technologies, advanced materials, robotics and artificial intelligence provides possibilities that until recently were considered science fiction. Direct neural interfacing with external or virtual devices can usher a new era where merging biological and artificial intelligence will have significant impact in multiple domains.
First and foremost, BMIs are becoming powerful tools to improve our understanding of the brain and nervous system. In turn, this can lead to better therapeutic and assistive approaches to tackle healthcare challenges, as well as new modalities for human-machine interaction that may have transformative effects in many consumer-oriented applications.