Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) read neural signals directly from the brain to infer motor planning and execution. However, the implementation of this technology has been largely limited to laboratory settings, with few real-world applications. We developed a BCI system to drive a vehicle in both simulated and real-world environments. We demonstrate that an individual with tetraplegia, implanted with intracortical BCI electrodes in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and the hand knob region of the motor cortex (MC), reacts at least as fast and precisely as motor intact participants. This BCI participant, living in California, could also remotely drive a Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicle in Michigan. Our teledriving tasks relied on cursor movement control for speed and steering in a closed urban test facility and through a predefined obstacle course. These two tasks serve as a proof-of-concept that takes into account the safety and feasibility of BCI-controlled driving. The final BCI system added click control for full-stop braking and thus enabled bimanual cursor-and-click control for simulated town driving with the same proficiency level as the motor intact control group through a virtual town with traffic. This first-of-its-kind implantable BCI application not only highlights the versatility and innovative potentials of BCIs but also illuminates the promising future for the development of life-changing solutions to improve independent mobility for those who suffer catastrophic neurological injury.

翻译：脑机接口（BCIs）通过直接从大脑读取神经信号来推断运动规划和执行过程。然而，该技术的实施主要局限于实验室环境，鲜有真实世界应用。我们开发了一套脑机接口系统，可在模拟环境和真实环境中驾驶车辆。研究表明，在后顶叶皮层（PPC）和运动皮层（MC）手部控制区域植入皮层内脑机接口电极的四肢瘫痪患者，其反应速度和精确度至少与运动功能健全的参与者相当。这位居住在加利福尼亚州的BCI参与者，还能远程驾驶位于密歇根州的福特Mustang Mach-E汽车。我们的远程驾驶任务通过光标移动控制车辆速度和转向，在封闭式城市测试设施和预设障碍赛道中完成。这两项任务作为概念验证，充分考量了BCI驾驶的安全性和可行性。最终版BCI系统增加了用于完全制动的点击控制功能，从而实现了双手光标-点击控制，使参与者能以与运动功能健全对照组相同的熟练度在模拟城镇中完成包含交通场景的驾驶任务。这项开创性的植入式BCI应用不仅彰显了BCI技术的多功能性和创新潜力，更照亮了为严重神经损伤患者开发改善自主行动能力的变革性解决方案的光明前景。