Connecting Minds and Devices: A Fifty-Year Review of Brain-Computer Interfaces

This review provides a detailed examination of the evolution of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), a pioneering segment of neurotechnology that facilitates a connection between the human brain and digital devices without surgical procedures. It delves into the historical progression and the advancements in BCIs, particularly emphasizing non-invasive techniques that have significantly altered the interactions of individuals with disabilities with their environment. While recognizing the contributions of other BCI modalities, this analysis predominantly focuses on non-invasive non-implantation strategies, tracing their trajectory from theoretical models to practical implementations. The review dissects the pivotal developments and technological milestones that have shaped the BCI domain, integrating perspectives from neuroscience, engineering, and computer science. It chronologically highlights key breakthroughs, demonstrating the evolution of non-invasive BCIs from rudimentary experiments to established neurotechnology, expanding opportunities for communication and control. Standing on the precipice of a new chapter in human-technology integration, this review highlights the transformative potential of BCIs and advocates for ongoing innovation and the careful contemplation of their broader impact on cognitive functions and societal structures.