8.6 Neural Weapons
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8.6.4 Brain–Computer Interfaces
An important task of development of neural devices is the construction of the brain–
computer interface (BCI) that would allow the human to directly receive information
from the computer, as well as transfer information from the brain to the computer.
Primitive BCI actually exists today. They use an EEG connected to the computer to
read and interpret brain activity. These EEGs are relatively cheap devices facilitating
measurement of electrical activity on the head skin. It is already possible to use EEG
as simple devices to input data into the computer; for example, users can move a
cursor by simply imagining a preset mechanical movement.
A much more ambitious goal is the creation of a special catalog of characteristic
EEG responses to specific words and subsequent creation of a machine that can
literally read thinking activity. Such studies were actually performed by scientists
in the University of California in Irvine [41]. Even though, according to the above
report of the Royal Society, “there are very limited prospects for a universal thought
reading machine,” this increases the interest of military specialists related to the
prospects of creating brand-new weapon systems with direct neurological control
[42]. Potential advantage of weapons with BCI consists in the fact that they are able
to be more effectively submerge soldiers into the space of the battlefield, when the
automatic system is remotely controlled for better awareness of the real operational
combat situation.
BCI can also significantly improve detection of threats and accuracy of their
identification (classification) and reduce the time of the response [43]. In particular,
DARPA is developing Cognitive Technology Threat Warning System (CT2WS)—
the system using EEG that detects unconscious reaction of the brain to potential
threats appearing on the monitor and notifies the operator about them.
With the help of BCI, soldiers will be able to better control complex automatics
such as robotic exoskeletons or unmanned systems. The use of a neuron interface
that directly connects the soldier’s brain to the weapon can ultimately give a higher
precision and a significantly shorter response time. As a result, BCI will allow the
military to have human-controlled weapons that will always be competitive with
respect to fully autonomous weapon systems that are also currently being developed.
By using BCI, soldiers of special units can also be able to silently and effectively
communicate with each other simply by means of thinking.
Neurotechnologies can be used to reduce combat effectiveness of the enemy by
various means, which will allow the armed forces of the user to defeat or neutralize
the enemy without using brute force or other classical types of weapons described
above in this section. Neuroscience can improve the existing weapons and methods
of non-lethal warfare, such as psychological operations and information warfare
methods (including cyber warfare). This can also lead to the development of brandnew non-lethal weapons, which can even be referred to as new weapons.
R. McGreight, one of the most authoritative experts in this field, suggests the
following definition: “Neuroweapons are intended to influence, direct, weaken,
799
8.6.4 Brain–Computer Interfaces
An important task of development of neural devices is the construction of the brain–
computer interface (BCI) that would allow the human to directly receive information
from the computer, as well as transfer information from the brain to the computer.
Primitive BCI actually exists today. They use an EEG connected to the computer to
read and interpret brain activity. These EEGs are relatively cheap devices facilitating
measurement of electrical activity on the head skin. It is already possible to use EEG
as simple devices to input data into the computer; for example, users can move a
cursor by simply imagining a preset mechanical movement.
A much more ambitious goal is the creation of a special catalog of characteristic
EEG responses to specific words and subsequent creation of a machine that can
literally read thinking activity. Such studies were actually performed by scientists
in the University of California in Irvine [41]. Even though, according to the above
report of the Royal Society, “there are very limited prospects for a universal thought
reading machine,” this increases the interest of military specialists related to the
prospects of creating brand-new weapon systems with direct neurological control
[42]. Potential advantage of weapons with BCI consists in the fact that they are able
to be more effectively submerge soldiers into the space of the battlefield, when the
automatic system is remotely controlled for better awareness of the real operational
combat situation.
BCI can also significantly improve detection of threats and accuracy of their
identification (classification) and reduce the time of the response [43]. In particular,
DARPA is developing Cognitive Technology Threat Warning System (CT2WS)—
the system using EEG that detects unconscious reaction of the brain to potential
threats appearing on the monitor and notifies the operator about them.
With the help of BCI, soldiers will be able to better control complex automatics
such as robotic exoskeletons or unmanned systems. The use of a neuron interface
that directly connects the soldier’s brain to the weapon can ultimately give a higher
precision and a significantly shorter response time. As a result, BCI will allow the
military to have human-controlled weapons that will always be competitive with
respect to fully autonomous weapon systems that are also currently being developed.
By using BCI, soldiers of special units can also be able to silently and effectively
communicate with each other simply by means of thinking.
Neurotechnologies can be used to reduce combat effectiveness of the enemy by
various means, which will allow the armed forces of the user to defeat or neutralize
the enemy without using brute force or other classical types of weapons described
above in this section. Neuroscience can improve the existing weapons and methods
of non-lethal warfare, such as psychological operations and information warfare
methods (including cyber warfare). This can also lead to the development of brandnew non-lethal weapons, which can even be referred to as new weapons.
R. McGreight, one of the most authoritative experts in this field, suggests the
following definition: “Neuroweapons are intended to influence, direct, weaken,