Limitations in the Full Replication of Human Consciousness by Brain-Computer Interfaces: A Biological and Mathematical Analysis
Applied and Computational Engineering July 13, 2026 Yuchen Zhao
Brain-computer interfaces have advanced to enable memory uploading, basic computer control, and treatment of conditions like paralysis and blindness, but human consciousness cannot be fully replicated. This literature review examines limitations from three angles: technical issues such as low signal precision and data scarcity restrict reliability; subjective experiences and nonlinear neural activities of consciousness resist programmatic simulation; and decoding neural signals does not reproduce consciousness. Existing consciousness theories lack engineerable equations, so complete replication of human consciousness is not possible under current conditions.