Researchers have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology by successfully piloting a virtual drone using only a man’s thought movements.

 

 

Researchers have achieved a groundbreaking milestone in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology by successfully piloting a virtual drone using only a man’s thought movements.

The participant, a 69-year-old tetraplegic, controlled the drone by imagining specific finger movements, with neural signals analyzed by an AI model. This was made possible through a Blackrock Neurotech BCI, which uses 192 electrodes implanted in the motor cortex of the brain.

 

The study, led by neurosurgeon Matthew Willsey at the University of Michigan, fulfilled the participant’s dream of flying while demonstrating BCIs’ potential to handle complex multi-input tasks such as typing or playing musical instruments. 

 

This breakthrough highlights how BCI technology can evolve from simple commands to controlling intricate systems, paving the way for advancements in robotics, fine motor control, and real-world applications.