Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) Systems to Control Robots

The idea of controlling systems by mere “thinking” (i.e., the brain activity of human subjects) has ever fascinated humankind. Researchers working at the crossroads of computer science, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering started to develop the first prototypes of brain-machine interfaces (BMI) systems 20 years ago, approximately. BMI systems are based on the use of brain activity for commanding devices. Such a kind of BMI system is a natural way to augment human capabilities by providing a new interaction link with the outside world and is particularly relevant as an aid for paralyzed humans, although it also opens up new possibilities in human-machine interaction for able-bodied people. This talk describes different approaches related to non-invasive BMI systems that have been developed to drive robots.