Ethical and Safety Challenges of Implantable Brain-Computer Interface

The study of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) holds immense potential across various fields, particularly in Human-Robot Interaction, where invasive BCIs offer precise and direct communication between the human brain and robotic devices. However, the use of invasive BCIs raises significant ethical, safety, and security concerns that must be addressed to ensure their responsible deployment. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of these challenges, offering a unique contribution by proposing a framework for mitigating risks and guiding ethical practices in the development and application of invasive BCIs. Key findings include the identification of critical safety risks, such as infection, tissue damage, and long-term iocompatibility issues, alongside actionable strategies to mitigate these risks through advanced materials, rigorous monitoring, and post-operative care. The study also highlights the security vulnerabilities inherent in invasive BCIs, including unauthorized data access and wireless communication risks, and proposes robust solutions such as encryption, secure authentication, and tamper-resistant designs. Ethically, the research emphasizes the importance of informed consent, privacy protection, and user autonomy, particularly in the context of HRI. It calls for the development of clear ethical guidelines and continuous dialogue among stakeholders to ensure that invasive BCIs are deployed in a manner that respects individual rights and societal values. By integrating these insights, this study contributes to the advancement of invasive BCI technology in Human-Robot Interaction, ensuring that future developments are not only technologically innovative but also ethically sound, safe, and secure. The findings underscore the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration to navigate the complex challenges of implantable BCIs, paving the way for their responsible integration into human-robot interactions.