Controlling devices with your thoughts may soon be possible without any invasive procedures. Traditional brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are bulky and often impractical for everyday use, especially when on the move. But a breakthrough device—small enough to fit between hair follicles—could change that. This new neural sensor continues to work even while the user walks, runs, or goes about daily activities.
Currently, most BCIs are limited to research labs or assistive technologies for patients with severe paralysis, allowing them to control wheelchairs or computers. While promising, these systems are far from being widely accessible or user-friendly for everyday use.
The most accurate BCIs are invasive, involving electrodes implanted directly into brain tissue. Though effective, these procedures carry significant risks and are unlikely to be approved for non-medical purposes anytime soon.
To offer a safer, non-invasive alternative, scientists have explored technologies like EEG, which captures brain signals using electrodes placed on the scalp. However, maintaining good contact with the skin is challenging—especially when the user is moving—making consistent readings difficult.
Now, a team of researchers has developed a neural interface just 0.04 inches wide that solves this issue. The device uses microneedles to attach painlessly to the scalp, creating a highly stable connection. In testing, it was used to control an augmented reality video call, and functioned reliably for up to 12 hours while the user stood, walked, and even ran.
According to the team, this innovation could pave the way for BCIs to become a practical part of daily life, blending digital and physical environments seamlessly.
The device was created by molding resin into a cross shape with five tiny spikes. These microneedles were then coated with a conductive polymer called PEDOT, enabling them to capture brain signals. The needles also pierce through the outermost layer of the scalp—composed of dead skin cells—ensuring clearer signal detection by accessing the epidermis directly.
To maintain stability during movement, the team added a flexible, snake-like copper wire that connects to larger signal-processing wires without disturbing the sensor. A module reads the brain signals and sends them wirelessly to an external device.
In demonstrations, the sensor was paired with Nreal augmented reality glasses. The system used a method called “steady-state visual evoked potentials,” where the brain reacts in a specific way to flickering images. By looking at icons flickering at different frequencies, users could answer, reject, or end video calls—simply with their gaze.
The interface achieved an impressive 96.4% accuracy in real-time, even during physical activity. It also remained securely attached and consistently functional for 12 hours—outperforming traditional EEG sensors, which tended to lose contact over time.
What’s more, the device was made using scalable manufacturing techniques, suggesting it could be mass-produced affordably. Beyond brain control, it may even serve as a wearable health monitor. With continued development, an always-on, thought-powered link between humans and devices might soon become part of everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this new brain-computer interface (BCI)?
It’s a microscopic, non-invasive neural interface that uses tiny microneedles to painlessly attach to the scalp between hair follicles. It allows users to control digital devices using only their thoughts—no surgery required.
How small is the device?
The interface is just 0.04 inches wide, making it compact enough to fit comfortably between hair strands without disrupting the skin or causing discomfort.
Does the interface require surgical implantation?
No. Unlike traditional invasive BCIs, this device does not require any surgery. It attaches externally using microneedles that penetrate only the outer dead layer of the scalp.
How does it stay attached to the scalp?
The device uses microneedles coated in a conductive polymer. These gently penetrate the dead skin layer, anchoring the sensor securely while maintaining excellent electrical contact with the scalp.
Can it be used while moving?
Yes! This is one of its biggest breakthroughs. The interface maintains a stable connection even while walking, running, or doing daily activities, unlike traditional EEG setups that can lose signal during motion.
How does it read brain activity?
The sensor captures brain signals by detecting electrical patterns on the scalp, specifically using steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs)—a method where your brain responds to flickering visuals.
What kind of tasks can it perform?
In tests, the device allowed users to control augmented reality video calls using only eye movement and brain activity. With more development, it could enable thought-controlled apps, smart home devices, or digital assistants.
How accurate is it?
The system achieved 96.4% accuracy during real-time use, correctly identifying the user’s intent even as they moved, stood, or sat—comparable to, or better than, traditional systems.
How long does it work once attached?
In testing, the interface remained stable and functional for up to 12 continuous hours, while conventional EEG sensors lost contact or fell off during the same period.
Is it painful to use?
No. The microneedles are designed to be painless, penetrating only the outermost layer of the scalp. Users experience no discomfort during application or use.
Can it be mass-produced?
Yes. The device was fabricated using scalable manufacturing techniques, meaning it could potentially be produced at low cost for wide consumer use in the future.
What are the future applications of this technology?
Besides hands-free control of AR/VR devices, this technology could lead to always-on brain-to-device communication, wearable health monitoring, and enhanced accessibility for people with disabilities.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking brain-computer interface, small enough to fit between your hair follicles, marks a major leap toward seamless, everyday integration between the human brain and technology. By eliminating the need for surgery and maintaining stable performance during real-world movement, it opens the door to a future where controlling devices with your thoughts could be as natural as using your hands. As development continues, this tiny sensor has the potential to revolutionize how we interact with digital environments—making thought-powered communication not just possible, but practical.
