Observation-based learning for brain–machine interfaces

Canonically, ‘mirror neurons’ are cells in area F5 of the ventral premotor cortex that are active during both observation and execution of goal-directed movements. Recently, cells with similar properties have been observed in a number of other areas in the motor system, including the primary motor cortex. Mirror neurons are a part of a system whose function is thought to involve the prediction and interpretation of the sensory consequences of our own actions as well as the actions of others. Mirror-like responses are relevant to the development of brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) because they provide a robust way to map neural activity to behavior, and because they represent high-level information about goals and intentions that may have utility in future BMI applications.