Direct Neural Interface

Proposed by Professor Burke Kale in 3043, the Direct Neural Interface (or DNI) was designed to replace the neurohelmet based control systems used in 'Mechs with a direct connection between the MechWarrior and 'Mech. This connection would provide much more accurate feedback directly into the MechWarrior's brain.

The Direct Neural Interface effective at coordinating the data transfer between the 'Mech systems and pilot. The DNI system had some significant drawbacks however:

1. It required the MechWarrior to undergo serious brain surgery to install an interface port.
2. The MechWarrior using the system had to take a compound called XA-3 to protect the brain from dangerous feedback.
3. As the MechWarrior was directly connected to the 'Mech, any damage taken during battle was much more likely to injure the pilot.

With these restrictions in mind, the Federated Commonwealth's decision not to pursue the project is understandable. Instead they devoted funding to the Small Cockpit and Torso Cockpit systems.

The only known user of the DNI system was Burke Kale. In 3053 he stole most of the technology from the NAIS Dark Mirage facility on Hyde and went to Solaris. He used the Epimetheus, the only DNI-equipped 'Mech, to tear through opponents. Later Kale was arrested and the Epimetheus shipped back to the NAIS for review. At the same time, a ComStar ROM operative copied all the plans and schematics for the DNI system.

The Direct Neural Interface technology would later be used as the basis of the Manei Domini's Vehicular Direct Neural Interface. The Enhanced Imaging system used by Clan ProtoMech pilots, which connects the pilots to the 'Mechs in a DNI-like manner, also requires drugs similar to XA-3.