Mind over matter

A UK project team hopes to make a key breakthrough in braincomputer interface technology, allowing wheelchairs, robot arms and other devices to be controlled by the human mind more instinctively and effectively.

A research consortium led by Oxford University aims to develop new asynchronous systems that would enable gradual, precise control of external mechanisms, as opposed to the less natural on/off mode of existing synchronous BCI technology.

BCI systems allow the severely disabled to control a cursor or a robotic device simply by thinking about the movement. Most use non-invasive electrodes attached to the user’s head to measure micro-voltage from the activity of the brain’s neurons. These signals are categorised using complex algorithms and are translated into movement.

The new system would ideally use only one electrode. Prof Stephen Roberts of Oxford’s engineering science department, who is leading the project, said the team hopes to develop BCI algorithms sophisticated enough to allow graduated, proportional control of movement rather than a simple on or off switch.