Nathan Copeland is a pioneering figure in the field of neurotechnology, known for his role in advancing brain-computer interface (BCI) research. Following a severe car accident in 2004 that left him paralyzed from the chest down, he became an active participant in BCI research at the University of Pittsburgh. His involvement led him to become the first human to have electrode arrays implanted in his sensory cortex, allowing him to experience touch through robotic prosthetics. One of his notable moments in neurotechnology history was when he used his BCI-controlled robotic arm to fist-bump President Barack Obama. Beyond his contributions to science, Nathan is also a neurotechnology consultant, an artist, and an avid gamer. He uses his platform, "BCI Can Do Better," to share insights and advocate for advancements in the field. His journey has helped shape the future of neurotechnology and inspired others in the field.

Before his accident, Nathan had just graduated high school and had strong interests in anime, metal music, science, and technology. He was particularly fascinated by physics and had enrolled at Penn State in a nanofabrication program. These interests have remained largely unchanged over the years, as he continues to engage in science and technology-related pursuits. Despite the drastic changes in his physical capabilities, he has been able to maintain and even expand his passions. His involvement in BCI research has given him an entirely new avenue to explore technology, and through projects like "BCI Can Do Better," he has been able to contribute significantly to the field. In addition to his work in neurotechnology, he has also improved his diet and lifestyle, further demonstrating his adaptability and perseverance.

Nathan describes the learning curve as surprisingly intuitive. While researchers had explained how the BCI would work, experiencing it firsthand was a completely different reality. Just a week after the implant procedure, he was able to control a robotic arm with two degrees of freedom—moving it up, down, left, and right. From there, his progress was steady but not overwhelmingly difficult. Each week, new functionalities were added, such as moving forward and backward or opening and closing the robotic hand. Unlike the dramatized idea of struggling through a long training period, Nathan found that most of the challenges came from programming limitations rather than his ability to control the system. One of the most surprising experiences was the sensory stimulation experiment, where an electric signal was sent directly to his brain, creating a sensation in his hand. Though he had been told this would happen, actually feeling it for the first time was astonishing. Over time, he adapted quickly, and the robotic arm became second nature.

Nathan explains that while the sensation is not identical to natural touch, it is not so different that it feels unnatural. Each electrode in the sensory cortex stimulates a different region of his hand, with most sensations localized at the base of his fingers. The type of sensation varies based on the frequency and intensity of the stimulation. A standard 100-Hertz signal feels like a tingling pressure, while lower frequencies around 20 Hertz create a tapping sensation. Over the years, the research team has experimented with different methods to refine these sensations, including biomimetic patterns that attempt to replicate how natural touch would be processed by the brain. Despite the differences from normal sensation, Nathan quickly adapted. His brain naturally associates the robotic hand’s movements with the signals he receives, making it an intuitive process. The strength of the sensation also varies based on the pressure exerted by the robotic hand, providing feedback similar to gripping an object with a real hand.

While the implanted hardware in Nathan’s brain has remained unchanged, external components and software have improved significantly. Initially, the system relied on large, cumbersome cables, but over time, the equipment became more refined. In 2020, Nathan was approved to bring home a medical-grade tablet that allowed him to use the BCI at home, though with limitations—such as no sensory stimulation due to safety regulations. More recently, an updated system using a Microsoft Surface Pro improved performance, making it more convenient and efficient. However, the implanted electrodes have naturally degraded over time, leading to a slight decrease in responsiveness. Nathan also notes that the connectors on his head-mounted pedestals have worn down, making it harder to establish a reliable connection. Despite these challenges, his system continues to function well beyond the initial one-year trial, now extended to 15 years. He hopes future advancements will allow for more durable and easily upgradable implants.

Nathan described meeting President Obama in 2016 as a surreal and significant experience. The event, part of the White House Frontiers Conference, was an opportunity to showcase neurotechnology advancements on a national stage. He appreciated that Obama was genuinely interested in the technology rather than just attending for publicity. Although the meeting was brief, it helped bring attention to the potential of BCIs and their real-world applications. The interaction was later highlighted in Obama’s top moments when leaving office, further cementing the impact of the event. Nathan views this recognition as an important step in increasing public awareness and support for neurotechnology.

Nathan is particularly excited about wireless BCIs, which will eliminate the need for cumbersome cables and allow for greater mobility and accessibility. He also believes that more electrodes and improved neural coverage will lead to enhanced control and more natural sensory feedback. Advances in machine learning and AI-driven neural decoding have also played a crucial role in improving the accuracy and usability of BCI systems. Additionally, he sees growing applications beyond motor control, such as BCI-based solutions for hearing, vision restoration, and communication devices for individuals with severe disabilities.

Nathan acknowledges that while BCI technology has made significant progress, accessibility remains a major challenge. The cost of the technology is prohibitively high, and even if it were approved for mainstream use, affordability would be a barrier. He points out that insurance companies need strong incentives to cover the costs, which is difficult given the current state of regulatory approval and clinical trials. Furthermore, there are concerns about the availability of trained professionals to perform surgeries, maintain devices, and provide technical support. While he hopes for future developments that reduce costs and streamline procedures, he recognizes that large-scale accessibility will require systemic changes in healthcare and technology policy.

Nathan states that if given the chance, he would enroll in another study without hesitation. His implants have lasted longer than initially expected, but he knows they will eventually need to be replaced. He is open to receiving upgraded implants if offered, as he believes that continued participation in research can help refine and improve future BCI applications. He also notes that his contributions have helped push the field forward, and he wants to continue being part of that progress.

Nathan hopes to remain involved in neurotechnology, whether as a research participant, consultant, or public speaker. He has already traveled internationally to discuss BCI technology and hopes to continue advocating for its development. Additionally, he wants to explore more opportunities in BCI-driven art and gaming, as he believes these applications will become increasingly important. Outside of neurotech, he hopes to continue expanding his creative pursuits and inspiring others to explore BCI in innovative ways. Ultimately, he remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with brain-computer interfaces and ensuring that future generations benefit from continued advancements in the field.