Elon Musk’s Neuralink, a company focused on brain-computer interfaces, has sparked intriguing discussions among defense technology experts. This innovative technology requires individuals to have a chip surgically implanted, allowing them to control machines solely through their thoughts.

Recently, representatives from a consortium of Israeli tech startups convened at a defense forum to propose an alternative approach that eliminates the need for invasive procedures. They raised the question: could a soldier potentially operate a small drone using just their mind, without any implanted device?

Asaf Harel, who leads neurotechnology in the CTO division of the Israeli defense ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research and Development, envisioned a future where operating drones, helicopters, or planes becomes instinctive. “Imagine a scenario where you simply think about what needs to be done, and it happens seamlessly,” he remarked.

Ziv Peremen, CEO of X-trodes, shared that his company is developing a skin patch capable of detecting signals from the body. The goal is to translate “thoughts in the brain into understandable patterns that can influence the environment,” a process he referred to as “silent speech” or “communicating with the mind.”

“This is an emerging trend that’s still in its infancy, but it’s incredibly fascinating,” he noted during a panel at the DefenseTech Summit held in December at Tel Aviv University.

In a related development, Israeli startup GrayMatters Health received FDA approval in 2023 for its Prism neuromodulation technology, aimed at treating post-traumatic stress disorder in soldiers and other individuals. This technology is currently being utilized in U.S. hospitals and in Germany, combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with electroencephalography (EEG), as explained by Rani Cohen, co-founder and executive chairman of the company. It is also undergoing trials for potential use in treating depression.

Harel highlighted several trends driving the advancement of neurotechnology, with one key factor being the emergence of smaller sensors.

“We’re witnessing the development of more advanced, compact sensors that can detect subtle variations in brain activity, providing detailed insights into the current state of your nervous system,” he explained.

Another significant trend is the integration of artificial intelligence, which can interpret intent, emotional states, and cognitive abilities, translating this information for various uses.

Leeor Langer, the chief technology officer at Wearable Devices, forecasted that extended reality goggles will pave the way for a future where users can control drones solely through their thoughts.

“Extended reality represents a near-future application where, for instance, a drone operator can manipulate a drone by gesturing at virtual buttons,” he noted.

His company is leveraging its neural interface technology across smartphones, smartwatches, and extended reality goggles.

The panel also discussed several dual-use military applications, including treatments for PTSD, training simulations, and the operation of robotic systems.

Another application involves assessing a pilot or driver’s mental fatigue during flight or driving, alerting them or the machine they are operating when they are too fatigued to function effectively.

Additionally, there’s potential for managing what’s known as an “amygdala hijack.”

The amygdala is the brain region that activates during high-stress situations, such as fight-or-flight responses or intense arguments. This can divert blood flow away from the rational part of the brain, hindering a person’s ability to think clearly.

This type of stress is something combatants frequently face in battle.

Cohen remarked, “We are all experiencing unprecedented levels of stress. When the amygdala is activated, it reduces the oxygen supply to our brain, which is what many of us experience during arguments. We need smart sensors that can identify this in real time and prompt us to ‘calm down.’”

GrayMatters has successfully utilized EEG sensors, but this has only been achieved in controlled environments, according to him.

“This is our current practice with patients, but it requires EEG stations and must take place in a clinical setting. The next step is to transition this into everyday life, and that’s our mission,” he explained.

Peremen highlighted that the upcoming hurdle for neuro-tech innovators is to move mind-machine interfaces beyond the quiet confines of laboratories and into the bustling real world, where the brain faces various stimuli and distractions.

“This represents a significant trend and a major challenge for all our technologies,” he noted.