Computers, Robotics, and the Human Brain

We dedicate this issue to the theme of computers, robotics, and the human brain, exploring the full potential of both biological systems and machines and the synergistic interaction between them. The human brain is considered the most fascinating and complex signal processing machine in existence. Promising to tap into the ultimate power of the biological machine, brain-computer interface (BCI) is an emerging cross-disciplinary field that has attracted much interest from the signal processing, machine learning, and biology communities. Research in this area tackles a wide spectrum of challenges ranging from robust interface design, spatial signal filtering, multimodal imaging and explores important applications, such as motor control for handicapped users and information triage in real-time situations. The guest editors of the special issue, Sajda, Muller and Shenoy, serve as our guides venturing into this burgeoning field. They have selected nine outstanding articles, providing a comprehensive survey of important signal processing issues at the forefront of BCI research. What could be a better way to understand brain structures and functions than learning how meditation practitioners (especially Buddhist monks) improve their mental states and skills? The “In the Spotlight”