Experimental system for car control is all in the mind

Researchers working on the AutoNOMOS Project at Freie Universität Berlin believe this level of autonomy could lead to safer motoring.

The AutoNOMOS so-called Brain Driver converts bioelectric brainwaves called electroencephalograms (EEG) into commands read by a computer-controlled vehicle.

Tests proved wave patterns read by head-mounted sensors could be interpreted as commands for direction, acceleration and braking.

For thoughts to produce a vehicle response the test subject must first train the computer to respond correctly.

He or she thinks of a individual situation for one of four commands — stop, start, left and right. The associated brain waves are then read by Brain Driver sensors and recorded by the car’s computer.

AutoNOMOS has proved when these thoughts are repeated the computer is able to prompt the correct response form the vehicle.

Brain commands are combined with a navigation map that recognises the road, other vehicles and pedestrians.

In practice, the computer can adhere to prescribed rules well, but situations requiring intuitive assessment are more difficult.