The initial motivation for the development of BCIs came
from the growing recognition of the needs of people with
disabilities, and of potential benefits BCIs might offer. The
first BCI was developed in the 1970s [42]. Since then, many
research programs have focused on the development of BCIs,
for assistance, augmentation and repair of cognitive and sensorimotor
capabilities of people with severe neuromuscular
disorders, such as spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis.