Paper-Based Electronics for Brain-Machine Interface Home Supercomputer

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) decode neural activity in real-time, allowing control of sensors and actuators. However, real-time neural decoding requires high computational resources. Recently developed paper-based electronics (e.g., transistors) are likely to reduce the cost of computing devices. In this theoretical study, we propose a roadmap to develop BMIs that take advantage of cellulose based supercomputers. Major milestones will include: 1) an initial prototype with a small number of elements capable of forming a simple brain-controlled On/Off switch, and 2) scaling up the capabilities of the new computing device, such that paper-based electronics lined in the walls of people’s homes will form a supercomputer. The initial prototype will be used to control the lights in a room, but more advanced devices are expected to decode more complex brain commands. As paper-based electronics are very low cost, it is proposed here that paper-based supercomputing capabilities may significantly improve BMIs.