The development of EEG-based brain computer interfaces: potential and challenges

Abstract

Brain computer interface (BCI) technology potentially opens the door to allowing our brain to influence the outside world without the use of muscles. This research concentrates on developing new augmentative communication and control technologies for those with severe neuromuscular disorders, such as stroke and spinal cord injury. Most BCIs decode the intent of the user from the brain’s electrical activity as recorded from the scalp (electroencephalography, EEG). The EEG signal is very difficult to process, but many advances have been made to translate the signal into commands. At The University of Auckland, EEG-based BCIs have been under development for the past few years. Our laboratory has produced excellent results including an EEG controlled video game, an EEG phone dialing system, and an EEG active rehabilitation exercise. Research is ongoing in this area, with new projects starting for control of prostheses or rehabilitation robots in clinical trials.