"A tsunami flying towards us"
Neuroadaptivity for autonomous systems - Prof. Dr Thorsten O. Zander, Lichtenberg Professor for Neuroadaptive Human-Technology Interaction of the Volkswagen Foundation at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, captivated the audience on 22 October 2024 with this extremely topical and highly exciting topic.
Prof. Zander's lecture at 5 p.m. was the main part of the 4th BTU Science Club, a series of events that funds scientific exchange and networking in Lusatia, but also stimulates critical discourse on current scientific approaches and their social relevance, following a welcoming address by BTU President Prof. Dr Gesine Grande. In this case, human-computer interaction and the development of new brain-computer interfaces were the central theme of the evening.
Prof. Zander vividly described the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) as a "tsunami flying towards us". This metaphorical statement may seem dramatic at first glance, but it emphasises the unstoppable wave of technological innovations that will change our society and our lives in profound ways. While research into powerful microchips and AI applications has been progressing for years, Prof. Zander's work focuses on a relatively new and innovative approach: the research and application of passive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Even as a young doctoral candidate, Prof. Zander resolutely pursued his ideas in the field of human-computer interaction. Despite initial resistance, he persevered and stood up for his vision, which meant that his approaches, which still seemed unconventional at the time, have now found a firm place in AI research and have significantly influenced the development of modern methods in this field.
Particularly noteworthy is the use of electroencephalography (EEG), a technology that makes it possible to precisely measure electrical activity in the brain. EEG can provide information about neurophysiological processes that play a central role in motor control of the body or emotion regulation, for example. These brain activities serve as the key to the further development of human-computer interaction. Prof. Zander's research aims to utilise passive, i.e. not consciously generated, information from the brain in particular in order to create more intuitive and efficient interfaces between humans and machines. In the future, such technologies could not only revolutionise our interactions with computers, but also provide deep insights into cognitive processes that are of great importance for understanding and promoting skills in machines, in particular in artificial intelligence.
Due to the acute social relevance of the topic and Prof. Zander's passion for his research, the BTU Science Club was able to stimulate a critical discourse and network scientists. Following his lecture, the participants engaged in a lively discussion about the opportunities and dangers of artificial intelligence. Afterwards, the participants had the opportunity to continue the dialogue over pretzels and drinks.
Special thanks go to the BTU Sponsors' Association for their financial support of the event.
Information about the lecturer
Prof. Dr Thorsten O. Zander has been the Volkswagen Foundation's Lichtenberg Professor for Neuroadaptive Human-Technology Interaction at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg since 1 July 2020. He is considered a pioneer in the field of passive brain-computer interfaces, which he defined in 2008. Prof. Zander is co-founder and co-director of the Society for Neuroadaptive Technology, which organises conferences and other events to promote research and outreach activities on all aspects of neuroadaptive technology. His key research areas are implicit interaction with technology, cognitive probing for automated guidance of artificial intelligence but also the ethics of neuroadaptive technologies. For his research, his company Zander Labs received a grant of 30 million euros, which is the largest single grant ever awarded in the EU.
Contact us
Neuroadaptive Mensch-Technik-Interaktion
T +49 (0) 355 5818-613
thorsten.zander(at)b-tu.de