Brain-Machine Interface, also called Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), is an emerging research field with diverse applications ranging from rehabilitation to human augmentation. Thanks to the advent of BCI techniques, brain activities are no longer limited to medical diagnostics but to more applications that aim to change the user lifestyle. It acts as a direct interface between humans and computer systems, eliminating the need for muscle interventions and external devices for issuing any commands and codes. Practically speaking, many technological innovations have developed to bridge the gap between two realms, the physical and the digital world, where BCI is one such successful innovation that reads the human mind and converts the brain signal into the exact output desired by the user. This technology is poised to revolutionize the next trendy consumer device blurring the gap between the human mind and computer interfaces. In general, signal acquisition, signal processing, and effector devices are the three major components of the BCI systems. In real-time, it has varied use-cases, which can be used as an assistive device for disabled individuals and can even be used for advanced video game control.

Practically speaking, control algorithms for the critical components of the BCI algorithm. Which is often called a decoder. The use of control algorithms enables the BCI systems to interact seamlessly with the external devices. However, there is a possibility that the neural activity can change over the time, imposing substantial challenges on real time BCI implementation from a control perspective. It is most crucial to understand how the behavioural information is distributed across the multiple brain areas, and the cutting-edge interfaces are required to incorporate the models of the brain as a feedback control system. Because the efficient implementation of control algorithms will significantly find ways and leverage learning while adapting themselves to the unexpected changes in the neural code. Hence, it is more crucial to explore innovative methods for optimizing decoders for closed loop control, and more advanced control strategies for addressing neural plasticity.

Further, these applications help solve various medical issues, promise the restoration of sensory and motor function, and aid in the treatment of neurological disorders. The BCI system is directly linked to the human brain and may negatively impact if it is not used appropriately. Some potential risks include the inaccuracy of the results, the complex nature of the system, and the lack of security. However, if successfully implemented, research in this stream will go a long way in the domain of neuro aesthetics and help develop better mechanisms to protect end-users from the unnecessary consequences of BCI devices while encouraging a wide range of commercial and medical applications. Continuous progress in disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence and control theory has prompted considerable improvements in BCI applications. Further, the more advanced research on artificial intelligence and reinforcement learning converged with cutting-edge neural interfacing technologies and signal processing techniques with control algorithms will help better understand the brain activities for developing interfaces to interact with computers and other devices.

In this special issue, we aim to explore the deeper insights on BCI, their enabling technologies and resolving the various challenges associated with it to find out its most promising applications for the near future.

Topics of interest include, but not limited to, the following:

• Advances in BCI Technologies and control algorithms
• Optimization and Personalization of BCI Algorithms with control measures
• Advances in brain machine interface control algorithms
• Closed loop control systems in adaptive BCI applications
• Brain Signal Processing and control measures
• Brain Emotion Studies and User-Interface Development with advanced control algorithms
• Brain Encoding and Decoding Mechanisms
• Artificial Intelligence and Reinforcement Learning for Brain Understanding and User-Interface Development
• Visual based Neuro-feedback Technologies and control interface
• Efficient Techniques to Measure Brain Activity and Develop User Interface
• Applications of EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces
• More Advanced Implantable Technologies for Invasive BCI applications
• Challenges in BCI Implementation with Appropriate Solutions

Special Issue Schedule Timeline:

• Submissions Deadline          : March 31, 2022
• First Reviews Due                  : June 30, 2022
• Second Reviews Due             : August 31, 2022
• Receipt of Final Manuscript : November 30, 2022
• Publication Date                     : January 31, 2023