Bidirectional brain-computer interface with real-time brain writing and reading
Official title: Bidirectional brain-computer interface with closed-loop mind-body interactions
Funded at Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-11342204 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A noninvasive system that reads brain signals and gently modulates brain activity to help with communication and movement, using EEG and low-intensity ultrasound.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $616,764 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AT013779-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11342204 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with conditions affecting communication or motor function who could benefit from brain-computer interfacing and noninvasive neuromodulation.
✕Less likely to help
People without the specific brain-computer interface needs or those unable to participate in noninvasive neuromodulation studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a bi-BCI platform that both decodes brain activity and writes to the brain with ultrasound to influence neural circuits. It combines EEG-based brain reading with closed-loop transcranial focused ultrasound to measure behavior and adapt neural modulation in real time. The work focuses on two applications: a brain-based spelling/communication aid and a motor prosthesis to improve movement, using a unified framework to study mind–body interactions. The team will develop methods to link specific brain patterns to actions and test how targeted neuromodulation can shift those patterns toward desired outcomes. This foundational research could open new ways for people with severe communication or motor impairments to interact with the world.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this bi-BCI platform could enable real-time communication and improved motor control for people with severe neurologic impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows promise in noninvasive BCIs and neuromodulation, but this bidirectional, closed-loop combination is an innovative approach with early but encouraging results.
Where this research is happening
-
Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Bin — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: He, Bin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.