The idea of a device that can directly link your brain waves to communicate with an external device seems something quite futuristic, but the fact is, these components already exist. These so-called brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) or mind-machine interfaces (MMIs) can allow disabled people to control a prosthetic (such as an arm), merely by directing it with their thoughts.

Someday, such technology may help the elderly command their assistive exoskeletons. Researchers are also looking into how these devices might also help factory workers control robots with their minds, or drivers manage their self-driving cars. Entrepreneurs like Neuralink‘s Elon Musk are pushing to develop tiny, implantable BCIs in the next few years that will help augment natural human intelligence so that they aren’t completely overtaken by the rapid development of artificially intelligent machines.

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