超薄型埋め込みブレインコンピュータインターフェースが記録を更新

世界の大多数の人々は、従来の画面とキーボードインターフェースを使ってスマートフォン、PC、タブレットとやり取りしています。しかし、これらの人間と機械のコミュニケーション手段は、数年以内に時代遅れになる可能性があります。権威ある機関のエンジニアチームが、いくつかの市場を変革する可能性を持つミニチュアで埋め込み可能なBCIを成功裏に作り上げました。

Their invention combines a wireless transceiver, an advanced power system, a digital control module, data converters, and several additional components to enable true direct-to-brain two-way communication. This development marks a major milestone for BCIs that could one day reshape how humans and machines interact. Here’s what you need to know.

ブレインコンピュータインターフェース (BCI)

ブレインコンピュータインターフェースは過去50年で大きく進化しました。これらのデバイスは、アルファ波を検出できる単純なセンサーから、リアルタイムで脳信号を捕捉・デコードできる複雑なシステムへと成熟しています。

BCI技術の成長は、医療分野での画期的な開発への扉を開きました。具体的には、てんかんや麻痺といった神経障害を抱える患者の治療に有用であることが判明しています。その結果、科学者たちはこの技術を数百万人を助ける可能性のある重要なセクターと見なすようになりました。

現在のブレインコンピュータインターフェース（BCI）の問題

予想通り、脳波を捕捉し外部デバイスを制御するには高度な技術的複雑性が必要です。この技術が制限されてきた主な要因は、その複雑さにあります。最近まで、AIシステムはこれらの波形を正確に解読できず、従来のコンピューティングシステムがその役割を担っていました。

かさばるハードウェアが現在のBCIを制限する

技術がこれらの能力を獲得し始めたものの、装着者にとっては依然として大きく、快適さに欠け、実用的ではありませんでした。今日の最先端システムは、ほとんどの電子部品を収める大型の埋め込みカニスターを必要とし、頭蓋骨または胸部に埋め込む必要があります。後者の場合は追加のケーブルが必要です。

なぜ現在のBCIはスケールしないのか

いくつかの製造上の制約により、これらのデバイスの大量生産は不可能でした。まず、巨大なコストと高精度が大規模生産に必要ですが、これらはまだ実現されていませんでした。さらに、現代の設計は大量生産を前提としていないため、非合理的な方法や部品が使用されています。

ブレインコンピュータインターフェース研究：BISCインプラントの内部

これらの制限がBCIの真の可能性への最大の障壁であると認識し、コロンビア大学、ニューヨーク・プレスビテリアン病院、スタンフォード大学、ペンシルベニア大学のエンジニアチームは問題解決に取り組み、人間と機械の制御可能性の新時代を切り開くことを目指しました。

The study¹, titled ‘A wireless subdural-contained brain–computer interface with 65,536 electrodes and 1,024 channels’, published in Nature Electronics rethinks the entire approach from the ground up. Their creation achieves unmatched performance that equals orders of magnitude improvements over earlier versions, all from a tiny wireless ultra-thin neural implant.

Biological Interface System to Cortex (BISC)

Their invention, called the Biological Interface System to Cortex (BISC), features a simplified single-chip metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuit design. Its minuscule measurements of just 50 μm thick and 3 mm³ make it 1/1000th the volume of the current standard implant, or about the thickness of a human hair.

ソース – Science Daily

This thin design enables it to be placed directly between the brain and skull. Housed within this tiny device is a lot of advanced tech capable of providing intense computing power. This computing power is necessary to capture brain waves and send them to the advanced AI systems running the show.

AIモデル

The engineers built on decades of neurological and brain wave science to create an effective AI model capable of registering, sending, and receiving brain waves. The AI system can decode specific tasks, including movement, intent, and perception. It accomplishes this task through the use of purpose-built software and sensors designed to interact with the AI systems.

電極

To enable true brain connectivity, the BISC operates as a micro-electrocorticography (µECoG) device. This system utilizes 65,536 electrodes, 1,024 recording channels, and 16,384 stimulation channels to create high-bandwidth recordings of the brain waves in real time.

The recordings are then sent to the advanced AI systems. These systems combine both machine learning and deep learning algorithms, enabling them to interpret the complex signal. Notably, this work builds on the past computational and systems neuroscience work done by contributing authors, Dr. Tolias and Bijan Pesaran.

ワイヤレスリンク

A relay station worn by the patient enables high-throughput communication with the implanted device. As the implanted device communicates directly to the brain, it then broadcasts the signal to the relay station. A wearable relay station communicates with the implant over a custom ultrawideband (UWB) radio link that reaches about 100 Mbps and then presents itself externally as a standard 802.11 Wi-Fi device.

How the Brain-Computer Interface was Built

The BISC implant was fabricated using easily accessible machines and tooling, ensuring large-scale production would be possible. Specifically, the device leverages TSMC’s 0.13-μm Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) technology. This approach enabled them to reduce the size and form factor of the device by combining multiple semiconductor technologies into one chip to produce mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs).

This strategy is advantageous because it enables the system to accept direct logic from the CMOS and high-voltage analog functions. Additionally, it enables the device to operate at a higher level of efficiency using DMOS transistors.

Brain-Computer Interface Test

The team constructed a demo device and conducted several tests to trial their theory. To accomplish the surgical aspects of the testing phase, the team partnered with Youngerman at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Together, they developed a safe and minimally invasive transplant strategy that enabled them to test the device in a real surgical setting.

The process involved creating a tiny incision and sliding the device between the brain and the roof of the skull. Its flexible and paper-thin design made the process much easier than traditional methods. Additionally, since there were no brain-penetrating components or wires, the process was much safer.

Brain-Computer Interface Test Results

The tests showed the system’s true capabilities as it was able to capture high-speed recordings directly from the brain. It demonstrated stable performance and didn’t see an immediate negative tissue reactivity, meaning that it would be ideal for use in medical scenarios where long-term implants are required.

Benefits of the BISC Brain-Computer Interface

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Real-World BCI Applications and Timeline

There are several applications for the brain interface computer. This device will help improve the lives of millions of people suffering from debilitating neurological diseases. Ailments like epilepsy, paralysis, seizures, loss of motor skills, loss of speech, and blindness could suddenly have new treatment options.

This technology will also help those requiring prosthetics due to limb loss. The system will allow for seamless communication and could even be used to provide real-time feedback to the wearer, creating a much more fulfilling treatment.

タイムライン

This product could make its way into the medical sector within the next 5 years. Unlike its predecessors, the group has already accelerated its clinical trials with short-term intraoperative studies in human patients already taking place. As such, you can expect to hear more related breakthroughs surrounding this tech.

Brain-Computer Interface Researchers

The BISC study combines several aspects from across prestigious institutions. Specifically, it leverages Columbia’s microelectronics expertise, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford’s neuroscience programs. Additionally, it uses NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s surgical capabilities. The team secured funding from a National Institutes of Health grant and the Neural Engineering System Design program of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This funding enabled the team to expedite its research and validate results.

The Future of Ultra-Thin Brain-Computer Interfaces

The future of this tech looks bright. The engineers have already expressed interest in furthering the AI model’s effectiveness and conducting complete human trials. Additionally, the team will seek out partnerships to help fund the project and secure industrial contracts for manufacturing the device.

Brain-Computer Interface | Conclusion

The Brain-Computer Interface study opens the door to a sci-fi future where computers are controlled simply by thought. These devices will first make their way to the public via medical treatments. However, it won’t be too long before you have a deep conversation with your smartphone without moving your lips.

What do you think about this BCI device? Would you ever wear one? Like, comment, and share this article, and click こちら to learn about other cool computer tech.

Investing in the Brain-Computer Interface Development

There are many companies involved in the BCI sector, envisioning a future where the mind does the heavy lifting. While pure-play BCI startups often remain private, investors can look to established medical technology firms that provide the critical surgical infrastructure required to implant these devices. Here is one firm that facilitates the complex neurosurgery needed for the next generation of brain interfaces.

Integra Lifesciences

Integra Lifesciences entered the market in 1989. Its founder, Richard Caruso, wanted to provide more access to neurological treatments. This approach saw strong support thanks to a combination of helpful treatments and favorable investor responses. Notably, Integra Lifesciences went public in 1995.

In 2007, the company released an upgraded NeuroSight Arc brain-mapping software module for its OmniSight EXcel system, used to plan procedures for Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. From there, the firm continued to expand its neurosurgical product portfolio. In 2017, the firm acquired Codman Neurosurgery from Johnson & Johnson (JNJ ) for $1.045B.

This maneuver expanded the company’s reach and enabled it to provide more advanced products. Those seeking access to the MedTech field should do more research into Integra Lifesciences.

Latest Integra Lifesciences (IART) Stock News and Performance

参考文献

^{1. Jung, T., Zeng, N., Fabbri, J.D. et al. A wireless subdural-contained brain–computer interface with 65,536 electrodes and 1,024 channels. Nat Electron (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41928-025-01509-9}