When Intel was recently asked about their plans for future development, the world's largest semiconductor chipmaker retorted with a rather unusual answer. According to Intel, by the year 2020, people will no longer need a keyboard or mouse to control a computer. Rather, users will able to surf the Internet and open files using nothing more than their brain.

Intel researchers are currently finding new ways to read human brain activity to be used in the manipulation of computers, television sets and cell phones. If the research proves to be successful, many brain waves could soon be harnessed with sensors developed by Intel.

The Power of Thought

"We're trying to prove that you can do interesting things with brain waves," said Intel research scientist Dean Pomerleau. "Eventually people may be willing to be more committed to brain implants. Imagine being able to surf the Internet with the power of your thoughts." (Source: pcworld.com)

More specifically, Pomerleau reported that the Intel team has worked with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI) machines to determine blood flow changes in different areas of the human brain based on specific words and images. As research continues to show, people tend to perform similar brain patterns when considering the same thought or idea.

Take the image or growl of a bear. Researchers are proving that this same neuroimage shared among different people would show similar brain activity. In a nutshell, there are patterns that show up in the brain for different words or images. (Source: thestandard.com)

Still, others might argue that "going under the knife" to control a PC might not be a most popular idea among computer users, no matter how innovative the technology may be.

All the Innovation without the 'Knife'

For those people who are leery about chip-to-brain implementation, but still wish to remain on the cusp of modern technology, there is hope. Pomerleau also announced that researchers are close to gaining the ability to build brain sensing technology into a head set that could be used to manipulate a computer.

While for many people, this headset concept will be enough, the next step for Intel after that will be to forge ahead with the development of their "brain chips" by 2020.