Editing Cyberware (section)

==Interfaces ("headware")==
{{see also|Brain–computer interface}}
[[File:EEG Recording Cap.jpg|thumb]]
It is the most difficult object to implement, but it is also the most important in terms of interfacing directly with the [[mind]].<ref>Hooper, Simon (October 21, 2004) [http://edition.cnn.com/2004/TECH/10/20/explorers.braingate/ ''Brain chip offers hope for paralyzed''] CNN</ref> In science fiction the data-jack is the envisioned [[Computer port (hardware)|I/O port]] for the brain. Its job is to translate thoughts into something meaningful to a computer, and to translate something from a computer into meaningful thoughts for humans. Once perfected, it would allow direct communication between computers and the human mind.

Large university laboratories conduct most of the experiments done in the area of direct neural interfaces. For ethical reasons, the tests are usually performed on animals or slices of brain tissue from donor brains. The mainstream research focuses on electrical impulse monitoring, recording and translating the many different electrical signals that the brain transmits. 

A number of companies are working on what is essentially a "hands-free" mouse or keyboard.<ref>Lusted, HS and Knapp, "RB Controlling Computers with Neural Signals". ''[[Scientific American]]'', October 1996</ref> This technology uses these brain signals to control computer functions. These interfaces are sometimes called ''[[Brain–computer interface|brain-machine interfaces]]'' (BMI).

The more intense research, concerning full in-brain interfaces, is being studied, but is in its infancy. Few can afford the huge cost of such enterprises, and those who can find the work slow-going and very far from the ultimate goals. Research has reached the level where limited control over a computer is possible using thought commands alone.  After being implanted with a Massachusetts-based firm [[Cyberkinetics]] chip called [[BrainGate]], a quadriplegic man was able to compose and check email.<ref>Khamsi, R. (2004). Paralyzed man sends e-mail by thought ''News@nature'', doi:10.1038/news041011-9</ref>

In April 2021, BrainGate became the first technology to transmit wireless commands from a human brain to a computer. The clinical trial involved two participants with spinal cord injuries, using a transmitter connected to the brain’s motor cortex to send neural signals wirelessly. Researchers reported that the speed and accuracy of cursor control and typing matched that of previous wired systems.<ref>{{cite news |title=BrainGate: First Human Use of High-Bandwidth Wireless Brain-Computer Interface |url=https://neurosciencenews.com/braingate-bci-18164/ |work=Neuroscience News |date=1 April 2021 |access-date=4 May 2025}}</ref>

In 2016, entrepreneur [[Elon Musk]] co-founded [[Neuralink]], a neurotechnology company focused on developing implantable brain–computer interfaces. The company initially aimed to address neurological disorders, with a long-term vision of human cognitive enhancement. As of its early funding rounds, Neuralink had raised $158 million, including $100 million from Musk personally.<ref>{{cite news |title=Elon Musk launches Neuralink, a venture to merge the human brain with AI |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/27/15077864/elon-musk-neuralink-brain-computer-interface-ai |work=The Verge |date=27 March 2017 |access-date=4 May 2025}}</ref>