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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Prospectively identifying risks and controls for advanced brain-computer interfaces: A Networked Hazard Analysis and Risk Management System (Net-HARMS) approach
Applied Ergonomics, Vol.122, pp.1-15
2025
Appears in UniSC Supported Open Access Outputs
Abstract
The introduction of advanced digital technologies continues to increase system complexity and introduce risks, which must be proactively identified and managed to support system resilience. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are one such technology; however, the risks arising from broad societal use of the technology have yet to be identified and controlled. This study applied a structured systems thinking-based risk assessment method to prospectively identify risks and risk controls for a hypothetical future BCI system lifecycle. The application of the Networked Hazard Analysis and Risk Management System (Net-HARMS) method identified over 800 risks throughout the BCI system lifecycle, from BCI development and regulation through to BCI use, maintenance, and decommissioning. High-criticality risk themes include the implantation and degradation of unsafe BCIs, unsolicited brain stimulation, incorrect signals being sent to safety-critical technologies, and insufficiently supported BCI users. Over 600 risk controls were identified that could be implemented to support system safety and performance resilience. Overall, many highly-impactful BCI system safety and performance risks may arise throughout the BCI system lifecycle and will require collaborative efforts from a wide range of BCI stakeholders to adequately control. Whilst some of the identified controls are practical, work is required to develop a more systematic set of controls to best support the design of a resilient sociotechnical BCI system.
Details
- Title
- Prospectively identifying risks and controls for advanced brain-computer interfaces: A Networked Hazard Analysis and Risk Management System (Net-HARMS) approach
- Authors
- Brandon J. King (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems ScienceGemma J.M. Read (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems SciencePaul M. Salmon (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
- Publication details
- Applied Ergonomics, Vol.122, pp.1-15
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.apergo.2024.104382
- ISSN
- 1872-9126; 0003-6870
- Copyright note
- © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Grant note
- Brandon King's contribution to this research was funded by the Commonwealth of Australia, through the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship.
- Organisation Unit
- Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science; School of Health - Psychology
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991062892202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Engineering, Industrial
- Ergonomics
- Psychology, Applied
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