- Status: Project phase
Background
The program “Safe Neural Human-Machine Interaction” takes brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to a new level of safety. BCIs are revolutionary technologies that make it possible to read electrical signals from the brain and use them to control external devices. For example, paraplegics can learn to control a robotic arm with their thoughts. However, many neurotechnologies currently still have to be implanted invasively, i.e. a person’s skull must be opened and the electrodes placed directly on the surface of the brain or in deeper regions. To avoid this, we would like to develop a neurotechnology that works without invasive methods. It is particularly important for us to ensure the security and protection of personal user data.
Aim
How can the personal rights, data security and data integrity of brain data
be ensured in neural communication with machines?
How can communication between humans and (semi-)autonomous systems be simplified, shortened and without the detour via text, touch or voice input?
How can large amounts of information be cognitively captured, processed and seamlessly output as instructions?
Projects
Brain Privacy Framework:
In order to guarantee personal rights and data security in neural human-machine communication, we have had the Brain Privacy Framework developed. This describes how neurotechnology can be developed securely and responsibly and how users can retain a high degree of control over their data. The Brain Privacy Framework thus sets new standards for security and responsibility in the development of new BCI technology.
Further information on the Brain Privacy Framework preliminary study and the preprint
Neuroadaptivity for Autonomous Systems (NAFAS):
We have commissioned the development of a prototype for a secure brain-computer interface based on the brain-privacy framework. Following extensive testing and intensive rounds of negotiations, this will be implemented by Cottbus-based start-up Zander Laboratories GmbH. At the heart of NAFAS is the use of neurotechnology, which makes it possible to read information from a brain and thus facilitate interaction between humans and machines. This is the first time that so-called passive BCIs have been used. With a passive BCI, in contrast to conventional approaches in neurotechnologies, the user does not have to actively imagine certain things, but – as is usual in everyday life – simply perform the desired action. The aim is to develop a new generation of machines that can adapt to the user’s cognitive and affective states in real time in order to personalize the experience and improve the effectiveness of autonomous systems.
Project page of the contractor NAFAS