As science expands our understanding of the world it can lead to the emergence of new technologies. These can bring huge benefits, but also challenges, as they change society’s relationship with the world. Scientists, developers and wider society must ensure that we maximise the benefits from new technologies while minimising these challenges. The Royal Society has established an Emerging Technologies Working Party to examine such developments and create perspectives.
Neural interfaces Neural interfaces, broadly defined, are devices that interact with the nervous system of an individual. More specifically, the term is frequently used to describe electronic devices that are placed on the outside or inside of the brain or other components of the central and peripheral nervous system, such as nerves and links between nerves and muscles, to record or stimulate activity – or both. Interfaces placed inside the brain or body are known as internal, invasive or implanted technologies, as opposed to external, noninvasive or wearable devices.
The Royal Society expects that neural interface technologies will continue to raise profound ethical, political, social and commercial questions that should be addressed as soon as possible to create mechanisms to approve, regulate or control the technologies as they develop, as well as managing the impact they may have on society.