Science, Engineering and Technology Vol. 3, No.

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www.setjournal.com https://doi.org/10.54327/set2023/v3.n2.84

Brain Computer Interfaces: The Future of Communication Between the

Brain and the External World
Mohamed Alseddiqi1, Anwar AL-Mofleh1, Osama Najam1, Leena Albalooshi1, Abdulla Alheddi2,

Ahmed Alshaimi3
1
Clinical Engineering Directorate, King Hamad University Hospital, Building: 2435,
Road 2835, Block 228 P.O. Box 24343, Busaiteen, Kingdom of Bahrain
2
Salmaniya Medical Complex, Rd No 2904 Salmaniya, Kingdom of Bahrain
3
Al Amal hospital W.L. L: 1751, Road: 5445, Block:754, Hamad Town: Buri
P.O. Box:38634, Kingdom of Bahrain

Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state of research on Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs)
and their potential applications. The objective of this study was to gather information from various sources, including
journal articles, conference papers, and books, to analyze the advancements and limitations of BCIs. A systematic
literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar, with specific
keywords related to BCIs and their applications. The selected studies were thoroughly analyzed to identify common
themes, methodologies, and key findings. The main contributions of this review include an overview of different types
of BCIs, their applications in fields such as medicine, entertainment, and education, and the challenges and limitations
faced by BCI technology. The findings highlight the potential of BCIs in restoring motor function, improving the quality
of life for individuals with various conditions, and enhancing human-technology interaction. Furthermore, the review
identifies future research directions, including signal processing improvements, exploring hybrid and multimodal
approaches, conducting long-term real-world studies, addressing ethical considerations, and prioritizing user-centred
design. This comprehensive analysis of existing literature provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in
the field of BCIs and sets the stage for future advancements in this rapidly evolving domain.

Keywords: Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs), electroencephalography (EEG), classification, feature extraction,
signal acquisition.

1. Introduction promise for revolutionizing many aspects of human life.

In medicine, for example, BCIs have already been used to
Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) represent a new and
restore lost motor function to paralyzed patients [4-6]. By
exciting technology that allows for direct communication
detecting and interpreting the electrical signals generated
between the brain and an external device or system [1].
by the brain, BCIs can enable individuals with paralysis
The potential applications of BCIs are vast and varied,
to control robotic limbs or other external devices with
spanning across many areas of life, from medicine to
their thoughts [7,8]. BCIs also hold potential for
entertainment [2,3]. In this review research paper, we will
improving the lives of individuals with a range of other
provide an overview of the current state of BCI research,
conditions, including neurological disorders, hearing and
including the various types of BCIs, their applications,
visual impairments, and chronic pain [9-11]. Beyond
and their limitations. Additionally, we will discuss
medicine, BCIs have the potential to enhance the way we
potential future directions for BCI research, highlighting
interact with technology and the world around us. In
areas for further study and development. BCIs hold great

Corresponding author: Anwar Almofleh ([email protected])

Received: 27 April 2023; Accepted: 6 June 2023; Published: 19 June 2023
© 2023 The Author(s). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

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entertainment, for instance, BCIs can be used to create The objectives of this paper are to provide an overview
immersive experiences that respond to the user's thoughts of the current state of BCIs research, discuss the various
and emotions. They can also be used to create new forms types of BCIs and their applications, highlight the
of interactive media that allow users to control games, challenges and limitations faced by BCIs, and present
movies, and other content using their thoughts. In potential future directions for BCI research. The paper
education, BCIs can be used to provide personalized aims to contribute to the existing knowledge by providing
learning experiences that adapt to each individual insights into the advancements, opportunities, and areas
student's needs and preferences [12-15]. for further exploration in the field of BCIs.
Despite their potential, however, BCIs face a number In this paper, a comprehensive review of the literature
of challenges and limitations. One of the biggest on BCIs were presented. The paper begins with an
challenges is the development of reliable and accurate introduction to BCIs, their potential applications, and the
methods for detecting and interpreting brain signals. challenges they face. This is followed by a detailed
Current BCI technology is often limited by the signal-to- methodology section that explains the process of literature
noise ratio of the brain signals, which can be affected by review and data collection. The results section provides a
a range of factors, such as movement, fatigue, and summary of key studies in the field, focusing on the use
distractions. Additionally, there are concerns around the of BCIs for controlling robots. The discussion section
privacy and security of the data collected by BCIs, as well analyzes the findings, highlights the contributions of the
as the potential for misuse of this technology [16-19]. reviewed studies, and identifies their limitations. Finally,
the conclusion section summarizes the main insights
Despite these challenges, researchers and developers
gained from the literature review and outlines future
are actively working to improve BCI technology and
research directions.
expand its applications. There are a range of different
types of BCIs currently being developed, including
invasive, partially invasive, and non-invasive BCIs.
2. Main Components of A BCI System
Invasive BCIs involve implanting electrodes directly into
the brain tissue, while partially invasive BCIs use Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a system that
electrodes that are placed on or beneath the skull but not allows direct communication between the human brain
directly in the brain tissue. Non-invasive BCIs, on the and an external device, such as a computer. The BCI
other hand, use sensors placed on the scalp or other parts system works by detecting, processing, and interpreting
of the body to detect brain signals. Each type of BCI has brain signals in real-time, enabling users to control
its own advantages and limitations, and researchers are external devices using their thoughts, the main component
exploring ways to improve their effectiveness and of the system is described in Figure 1.
reliability [20].
Looking to the future, there are many exciting
developments on the horizon for BCI research. One area
of focus is the development of hybrid BCIs, which
combine different types of BCI technology to create more
effective and versatile systems [21,22]. Another area of
focus is the development of closed-loop BCIs, which use Figure 1. The main components of a BCI system.
real-time feedback to adjust the stimulation or
intervention being delivered by the BCI [23,24]. This  Signal Acquisition
could have implications for the treatment of conditions
such as epilepsy, where timely intervention can prevent Signal acquisition is the process of recording the
seizures. Additionally, researchers are exploring the electrical signals generated by the brain using various
potential for BCIs to enhance cognitive and emotional methods such as electroencephalography (EEG)
states, such as improving attention or reducing anxiety magnetoencephalography (MEG), or functional magnetic
[25-27]. resonance imaging (fMRI) as showing in Figure 2. In a

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BCI system, EEG is the most commonly used method for Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Support Vector
signal acquisition. EEG electrodes are placed on the scalp Machine (SVM), or non-linear, such as neural networks
to record the electrical activity of the brain. These signals [30].
are then amplified, filtered, and digitized for further
processing [28].
 Control Interface
The control interface is the component of the BCI
system that translates the user's intention into a control
signal that can be used to operate an external device. This
interface can be a computer screen, a robotic arm, or any
other device that can be controlled by a computer. The
interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to use,
Figure 2. Signal Acquisition. allowing the user to control the device with their thoughts
in real-time [30].

 Signal Processing
 Feedback
Signal processing is the next step in BCI applications
and involves several steps, including pre-processing, Feedback is a critical component of a BCI system as it
filtering, and data normalization. Pre-processing includes provides the user with information about the system's
artefact removal, noise reduction, and signal denoising to performance and their own brain activity. Feedback can
ensure that the acquired signals are reliable and accurate. be visual, auditory, or tactile, and it is used to inform the
Filtering is used to remove unwanted noise from the signal user whether their intended action has been correctly
and improve its quality. Data normalization is used to identified and executed. Feedback is essential for BCI
scale the features to the same range, which is essential for training and can help users learn to control their brain
accurate classification [29,30]. signals more effectively over time [32-34].

 Feature Extraction 3. Electroencephalography (EEG)

Feature extraction is a process that aims to identify and EEG is a non-invasive technique used to measure the
extract relevant features from the signal that can be used electrical activity of the brain. It involves placing
for further processing and classification. The extracted electrodes on the scalp to record the electrical signals
features are usually based on frequency, time, or space produced by the neurons in the brain. The 10-20 system is
domain analysis, and they are used to identify patterns in a widely accepted technique for defining and utilizing the
the data that are relevant to the task at hand. For example, placement of scalp electrodes during an EEG assessment
in a motor imagery BCI task, the features extracted may as presented in Figure 3.
include the power spectral density in the alpha or beta EEG signals are typically used in BCI applications to
frequency bands, which are known to be associated with detect changes in brain activity and translate them into
motor activity [30,31]. commands that can be used to control devices or
communicate with the environment. EEG is a commonly
used technique in neuroscience research and clinical
 Classification:
applications, as it provides insights into the brain's
The classification component is responsible for functional and pathological states [35-36]. The
categorizing the brain patterns extracted by the feature classification of EEG signals is based on their frequency,
extractor. It transforms the independent variable into the ranging from 0 to 100 Hz. EEG signals can also be
dependent variable by using various classification categorized based on their amplitude, and be recognized
algorithms, which can either be linear, such as Linear based on their shape as illustrated in Table 1 [37-38].

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Figure 3. Types of BCIs.

Table 1. The classification of EEG signals.

3.1 Event-Related Potentials

Frequency Characteristic Image Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) are changes in the

Deepest level brain's electrical activity that are time-locked to specific
Delta
of relaxation events or stimuli. ERPs are a type of EEG measurement
(0.1-4) Hz
deep sleep
Rapid eye that is widely used in neuroscience research and clinical
movement settings to study cognitive processes such as attention,
Theta sleep deep and perception, memory, and decision-making. One
(4-8) Hz raw emotions
cognitive promising application of ERPs is in BCIs, which are
processing systems that allow individuals to communicate or control
Alpha Relaxation external devices using their brain signals. EEG-based
(8-13) Hz drowsy state
BCIs have become increasingly popular due to their non-
Beta Conscious invasive nature and high temporal resolution. ERP
(13-30) Hz state components have been used as control signals in EEG-
Gamma
Two different based BCIs, as they can be reliably elicited by specific
senses at the events or stimuli, and are easy to interpret. By using ERP-
(30-100) Hz
same time
based control signals, BCIs can provide more natural and
intuitive control for individuals with motor disabilities,
Table 2 presents a summary of recent EEG devices
allowing them to communicate and interact with their
commonly used in BCI applications. These devices vary
environment in ways that were previously impossible.
in terms of the number of channels, electrode types,
ERP graph is a graphical representation of the brain's
sampling rates, and connectivity options. The devices
electrical activity in response to a specific stimulus or
listed include both research-grade and consumer-grade
event as demonstrated in Figure 4.
EEG systems. Research-grade systems, such as those
manufactured by Brain Products, g.tec, and BioSemi, It is usually plotted as voltage (y-axis) over time (x-
offer higher channel counts and sampling rates, as well as axis). The graph shows a series of peaks and troughs in
advanced signal processing and analysis tools. Consumer- voltage, known as components, that occur at specific time
grade systems, such as those offered by Emotiv and points after the onset of the stimulus. The ERP waveform
NeuroSky, are designed for personal use and offer lower typically consists of several components that reflect
channel counts and sampling rates. The choice of EEG different cognitive processes, such as perception,
device depends on the specific BCI application, the user's attention, and memory. Each component has a specific
requirements, and the available budget [39-43]. latency (the time between the stimulus and the peak of the
component) and amplitude (the height of the peak).

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Table 1. Summary of recent EEG devices commonly used in BCI applications

EEG Manufacturer Model Sensor Channel Sampling Rate Communication

Emotiv INSIGHT 2.0 Dry 5 128 [Hz] Wireless
EPOC+ Wet 14 - Wireless
EPOC FLEX Wet 32 - Wireless
MN8 Dry 2 - Wireless
Interaxon Muse 2 Dry 4 256 [Hz] Wireless
Muse S (Gen 2) Dry 4 256 [Hz] Wireless
NeuroSky MindWave Mobile 2 Dry 1 512 [Hz] Wireless
Open BCI ULTRACORTEX MARK IV Dry 8, 16 250, 125 [Hz] Wireless
EEG Electrode Cap Kit Wet 21 - Wireless
Advanced Brain Monitoring B-Alert X10 Wet 9 256 [Hz] Wireless
B-Alert X24 Wet 20 256 [Hz] Wireless
Neuroelectrics Enobio 20 Wet 20 500 [Hz] Wireless
Brain Products LiveAmp Wet 8, 16, 32, 64 250, 500, 1.000 [Hz] Wireless
G.Tec g.Nautilus Dry / Wet 8, 16,32, 64 250 / 500 [Hz] Wireless
BioSemi ActiveTwo AD-box - 16, 32, 64 2, 4, 8, 16 [kHz] Wired
Neurosity Crown Dry 8 256 [Hz] Wireless

shown in Figure 5. Each type of BCI has its own

advantages and limitations, making them suitable for
different applications. Invasive BCIs are implanted
directly into the brain tissue, allowing for the highest level
of signal resolution and accuracy. These BCIs involve
electrodes that are implanted in the cortex of the brain and
are used to record neural activity. Invasive BCIs are
primarily used in research and medical settings to help
individuals with paralysis or neurological disorders to
Figure 3. ERP Graph.
control prosthetic devices or to restore lost function. The
main advantage of invasive BCIs is their high level of
The earliest component of the ERP is the P1, which accuracy in signal detection, which allows for precise
reflects early sensory processing. This is followed by the control of devices or systems [3,20,44].
N1, which reflects attention allocation and perceptual
processing. Later components such as the P300 or N400
may reflect cognitive processes such as decision-making,
memory, or semantic processing. The ERP graph is
typically analyzed by comparing the waveform of
different conditions or groups to determine if there are
differences in the timing or amplitude of specific
components. These differences can provide insights into
the underlying cognitive processes and neural
mechanisms involved in the processing of the stimulus or
event [20].

Figure 4. Types of BCIs [45].

4. Types of BCIs
There are different types of BCIs that vary in their Partially invasive BCIs are those that are implanted
invasiveness, from fully invasive to non-invasive as under the scalp or on the surface of the brain. These BCIs

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involve electrodes that are placed either directly on the allowing them to perform daily activities such as
surface of the brain or beneath the skull, but not implanted grasping objects or walking [50].
into the brain tissue. Partially invasive BCIs are less  Gaming: BCIs can also be used for gaming purposes.
invasive than fully invasive BCIs, but they still provide a One example is the Mindflex game, which uses EEG
high level of signal resolution. Partially invasive BCIs are technology to detect the user's brain signals and
used in research and medical settings to help individuals move a ball through an obstacle course [51]. Another
with neurological disorders or paralysis to control example is the Puzzlebox Orbit, a BCI-controlled
prosthetic devices or to restore lost function. The main helicopter that users can fly using their brain signals
advantage of partially invasive BCIs is their ability to [52].
provide a high level of signal detection accuracy while  Medical applications: BCIs have significant
being less invasive than fully invasive BCIs [3,20,44]. potential for medical applications, such as diagnosis,
Non-invasive BCIs are those that do not require any treatment, and rehabilitation. For example, BCIs can
surgical intervention and are applied to the scalp or the be used to monitor brain activity during surgeries,
surface of the head. These BCIs involve the use of diagnose neurological disorders, or treat conditions
sensors, such as EEG or MEG, to record neural activity. such as chronic pain or epilepsy [9-11, 25-27].
Non-invasive BCIs are the least invasive type of BCI and  Robotics: BCI can be used to control robotic
are commonly used in research and medical settings to prosthetic limbs or exoskeletons, allowing
help individuals with neurological disorders to control individuals with disabilities to regain mobility and
prosthetic devices or to restore lost function. The main independence. Robotics can also be used to assist in
advantage of non-invasive BCIs is their ease of use and the training and rehabilitation of individuals
non-invasiveness, which makes them suitable for a wide providing a more interactive and engaging
range of applications [3,20,44]. experience, BCIs can also be used to control
humanoid robots, which can assist in caregiving or
other tasks [7-11,30].
5. Applications of BCIs  Entertainment: BCIs can also be used for
entertainment purposes, such as virtual reality or
Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) have a wide range
immersive experiences. For example, a BCI-
of applications, from communication to entertainment,
controlled video game can provide a more immersive
and from medicine to robotics. In this article, we will
and interactive experience for players [53,54].
discuss the various applications of BCIs and provide
examples of how they are being used in different areas.
 Communication: BCIs can be used to assist 6. Methodology
individuals with disabilities to communicate, such as For this research, a comprehensive literature review
those with locked-in syndrome, cerebral palsy, or was conducted to gather information on the current state
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) [45-47]. By of the field of BCIs and their potential as a means of
interpreting the user's brain signals, BCIs can help communication between the brain and the external world.
individuals with limited or no physical movement to The literature review identified several key challenges in
communicate through a computer or other devices. the field of BCIs. The parameters for comparisons were
One example is the Brain Gate system, which has selected based on their relevance to the research objective
been used to allow people with paralysis to type on a and study focus, ensuring meaningful insights and
computer, send emails, and even control a robotic comprehensive evaluation. These challenges include the
arm [48]. need for improved signal detection and interpretation
 Assistive technology: BCIs can be used to control methods, addressing the signal-to-noise ratio, and
prosthetic limbs, allowing individuals with enhancing privacy and security of collected data. These
amputations or spinal cord injuries to regain some of areas represent important avenues for future research in
their lost mobility [49]. The user's brain signals are the field of BCIs. The review methodology involved a
translated into movements of the prosthetic, systematic sampling strategy to select relevant studies and

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sources from prominent databases such as PubMed, IEEE movements such as turning left and right, going forward
Xplore, and Google Scholar. Specific keywords, and backward, lifting and dropping, and flexion and
including "brain computer interfaces," "brain machine extension of the hand fingers. These studies demonstrate
interfaces," "EEG controlling robots," "EEG controlling the potential of BCIs in enabling individuals with motor
machine," "EEG BCI," and "BCI algorithms," were used impairments to control robots and devices through their
to identify studies published between 2010 and 2022 that thoughts, opening up possibilities for assistive technology
focused on the application of classification algorithms in and neurorehabilitation [55-68].
controlling robots through BCIs. The literature review
Specifically, one study [55] utilized an interval type-2
included both primary studies and secondary sources,
fuzzy logic based multiclass ANFIS algorithm to control
including studies that were cited by or cited the identified
a robotic manipulator with a 3-fingered hand, with output
studies, to ensure a comprehensive coverage of the topic.
commands including relaxation, left and right movement,
Data collection involved reading and thorough analysis of
and forward and backward movement. Another study [56]
the selected studies and sources. Detailed notes were
utilized an SVM algorithm to control a mobile robot, with
taken on the research questions, methods, findings, and
output commands including turning left and right, and
conclusions of each study, allowing for a comprehensive
going forward and backward. A study [57] constructed
understanding of the research landscape in this area.
neural nets in a BCI for robot arm steering, with output
Common themes and patterns in the literature were
commands including left and right movement, and start
identified, and any gaps or inconsistencies were carefully
and stop. Another study by [58] used an artificial neural
noted.
network to control a quadcopter, with output commands
The review encompassed a total of 70 studies that met including left and right movement. In a study [59], a
the inclusion criteria, which consisted of studies published motor imagery-based BCI coupled to a robotic hand
within the specified timeframe, written in the English orthosis was used for neurorehabilitation of stroke
language, and focused on BCIs. Studies that were patients, with output commands including flexion and
published before 2010 or after 2022, as well as those that extension of the hand fingers. Another study [60] utilized
were deemed irrelevant or non-BCI related, were an RBF-SVM algorithm to control a robotic arm, with
excluded from the review. The search strategy and study output commands including right and left movement of
selection process ensured a rigorous and systematic the base and upward movement of the elbow. A study [61]
approach to capturing the most relevant and up-to-date used an LDA algorithm to control a mobile robot, with
information on the topic. By employing this robust output commands including turning left and right, and
methodology, the review provides a comprehensive going forward and stopping.
overview of the current state of the field, with a specific
A study [62] used an SVM algorithm to control a dual-
focus on the application of classification algorithms in
arm robot, with output commands including lifting and
BCI-based control of robots. The findings of this review
dropping. Another study [63] utilized an LDA algorithm
contribute to the existing body of knowledge and offer
to control a robotic arm, with output commands including
valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in the
left and right movement. In a [64] study an SVM
field of BCIs.
algorithm was used to control a robotic arm, with output
commands including turning the link clockwise or
counterclockwise and moving the link forward.
7. Results
In a study [65], an LDA algorithm was used to control
Table 3 provides a summary of studies exploring the
a quadcopter, with output commands including left and
use of BCIs for controlling robots through motor imagery
right movement, and forward and backward movement.
or hybrid BCI approaches. The studies utilized various
Another study [66] utilized LDA and SVM algorithms to
classifier algorithms, such as SVM, LDA, and artificial
control an exoskeleton robot, with output commands
neural networks (ANN), to control different types of
including moving left and right. A study by [67] used an
robots, including robotic arms, mobile robots,
SVM algorithm to control a quadcopter, with output
quadcopters, and exoskeletons. The output commands
commands including activating, turning left and right.
varied depending on the control object and included

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Table 3. A summary of different studies that have explored the use of BCIs for controlling robots.

Paper Title Year of Publication Classifier Algorithm Control Output Commands Reference
Objects
Interval type-2 fuzzy
logic based multiclass axis robotic Relax, left and right,
ANFIS algorithm for 2015 OVO-IT2FLF- manipulator forward and [55]
real-time EEG based ANFIS with a3 backward
movement control of a fingers hand
robot arm
Autonomuos robot Turning left and
control based on EEG 2016 SVM Mobile robot right, going forward [56]
and cross-correlation and backward
Construction of neural
nets in brain-computer 2016 Artificial neural Robotic arm Left and right, start [57]
interface for robot arm networks and stop
steering
A performance study of
14-channel and 5-
channel EEG systems 2018 Artificial neural Quadcopter Left and right [58]
for real-time control of networks
unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs)
Motor imagery-based
brain-computer interface Flexion and
coupled to a robotic 2018 LDA Robotic hand extension of the hand [59]
hand orthosis aimed for orthosis fingers
neurorehabilitation of
stroke patients
EEG based brain
computer interface for The base moves right
controlling a robot arm 2018 RBF-SVM Robotic arm and left, the elbow [60]
movement through points up
thought
Robot navigation using Turning left and
a brain computer 2019 LDA Mobile robot right, going forward [61]
interface based on motor and stopping
imagery
Motor-imagery-based
teleoperation of a dual- 2019 SVM Dual-arm Lift and drop [62]
arm robot performing robot
manipulation tasks
Shared control of a
robotic arm using non- Left fornt and right
invasive brain–computer 2019 LDA Robotic arm front movement [63]
interface and computer
vision guidance
Motor imagery and error Turn the link
related potential induced clockwise or
position control of a 2017 SVM Robotic arm counterclockwise, [64]
robotic arm move the link
forward
Quadcopter control
system using a hybrid Left and right,
BCI based on off-line 2019 LDA Quadcopter forward and [65]
optimization and backward
enhanced human-
machine interaction
Hybrid MI-SSSEP
Paradigm for classifying Exoskeleton
left and right movement 2019 LDA and SVM robot Moving left and right [66]
toward BCI for
exoskeleton control
Application of hybrid
brain-computer interface 2020 SVM Quadcopter Activating, turning [67]
with augmented reality left and right
on quadcopter control
A hybrid brain- Link selection,
computer interface for motion initiation,
closed-loop position 2020 LSVM, RBF-SVM Robot arm automatic reversal, [68]
control of a robot arm oscillation continues,
object position

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Moreover, there are also challenges associated with the

Finally, a study [68] utilized LSVM and RBF-SVM
physical design and comfort of BCIs. Some BCIs are
algorithms to control a robot arm, with output commands
invasive, requiring surgery to implant electrodes directly
including link selection, motion initiation, automatic
into the brain, which can carry risks and complications.
reversal, oscillation continues, and object position.
Partially invasive BCIs involve implanting electrodes on
Overall, these studies demonstrate the potential of BCIs
the surface of the brain, while non-invasive BCIs rely on
in enabling individuals with motor impairments to control
external sensors to detect brain activity. However, non-
robots and devices through their thoughts, providing new
invasive BCIs can be uncomfortable to wear for extended
avenues for assistive technology and neurorehabilitation.
periods of time and can be affected by the user's hair, skin,
and other physical characteristics [71, 72].
8. Discussion
The results of this literature review demonstrate the 9. Future Directions
potential of BCIs in enabling individuals with motor
The field of BCI is rapidly evolving, with new
impairments to control robots and devices through their
developments and advancements being made on a regular
thoughts. The findings suggest that the use of BCIs in
basis. BCI hold tremendous promise in revolutionizing
controlling robots can improve the quality of life of
how humans interact with technology. In the future,
individuals with motor impairments and provide new
research in BCIs should focus on a number of key areas.
possibilities for assistive technology and
One important area is improving signal detection and
neurorehabilitation. BCI have the potential to
interpretation. This involves developing more reliable and
revolutionize the way we interact with the world around
accurate methods for detecting and interpreting brain
us, but there are several challenges and limitations that
signals, improving the signal-to-noise ratio, addressing
need to be addressed in order to fully realize their
movement and distractions, and increasing privacy and
potential. In this regard, this section will discuss some of
security of collected data.
the major challenges and limitations associated with the
use of BCIs. One of the biggest challenges associated with Another important area of focus for future research in
BCIs is the need for highly skilled professionals to operate BCIs is advancing the technology itself. This includes
them. The technical complexity of BCIs requires trained exploring and developing different types of BCIs, such as
professionals with a deep understanding of neuroscience invasive, partially invasive, and non-invasive BCIs,
and computer engineering. Furthermore, BCI technology improving their effectiveness and reliability, and
is constantly evolving, which means that professionals exploring ways to combine different types of BCI
working with BCIs must stay up-to-date with the latest technology to create more effective and versatile systems.
developments in the field [69].
Enhancing cognitive and emotional states through
Another challenge associated with BCIs is the limited BCIs is another area of potential research. BCIs could be
availability of devices. Currently, the cost of BCI devices used to improve attention or reduce anxiety, for example,
is relatively high, and they are not widely available to the by using real-time feedback to adjust stimulation or
general public. This limits the accessibility of BCIs to intervention being delivered by the BCI. Closed-loop
those who could potentially benefit from them, such as BCIs, which use real-time feedback to adjust the
individuals with disabilities or neurological conditions. In stimulation or intervention being delivered by the BCI,
addition, achieving accurate and reliable signal detection could have implications for the treatment of conditions
is a major challenge in BCI research. The signals that are such as epilepsy, where timely intervention can prevent
measured by BCIs are very small and can be easily seizures.
disrupted by other electrical activity in the brain or by
Another important area of focus for future research in
external factors such as movement or environmental
BCIs is exploring new and innovative applications in
noise. This can lead to inaccuracies in the data collected
various fields, such as education, entertainment, and
by BCIs, which can impact the effectiveness of the
sports. For example, personalized learning experiences
technology [70].
that adapt to each individual student's needs and

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preferences could be developed, and immersive Declarations

experiences that respond to the user's thoughts and
Availability of data and material: The data and
emotions could be created.
materials used in this study are available upon request.
Finally, researchers must address ethical concerns
related to the use of BCIs, including issues around privacy
and security, as well as the potential for misuse of this Authors' contributions
technology. Overall, future research in BCIs has the Mohamed Alseddiqi and Anwar AL-Mofleh: provided
potential to bring significant advancements to the field the conception and design of the study, acquisition of data,
and improve the quality of human life. By improving the analysis and interpretation of data, drafting the article,
accuracy and reliability of BCIs, enhancing cognitive and revised it critically for important intellectual content, and
emotional states, developing new applications, and final approval of the version to be submitted; Osama
addressing ethical concerns, researchers can make great Najam: supplied the acquisition of data, drafting of paper;
strides in this exciting and rapidly developing field Leena Albalooshi: supplied the design of study, analysis
and interpretation; supplied the acquisition of data;
Abdulla Alheddi: was responsible for the article critically
10. Conclusion
for important intellectual content; and Ahmed Alshaimi:
In conclusion, BCIs represent a revolutionary provided the revised the article critically for important
technology that holds great promise for transforming intellectual content and gave final approval of the version
various aspects of human life, from medicine to to be submitted.
entertainment, education, and industry. BCIs have the
potential to restore lost motor function to paralyzed
patients, improve the lives of individuals with a range of Acknowledgements
neurological disorders, and create immersive experiences I am grateful to all of those with whom I have had the
that respond to the user's thoughts and emotions. pleasure to work during this and other related research.
However, BCIs face several challenges, such as Each of the members of the paper Committee has
developing reliable and accurate methods for detecting provided extensive personal and professional guidance.
and interpreting brain signals, privacy and security
concerns, and potential misuse of the technology. To
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