Using brainwaves to command and control autonomous vehicles

Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) are using smart sensors and advanced brain signal decoders to improve communication between human brains and robots.

A team led by Distinguished Professor CT Lin and Professor Francesca Iacopi will embark on a two-year project with the Department of Defence to examine how cutting-edge technologies could use brainwaves to command and control autonomous vehicles.

Distinguished Professor CT Lin, Director of The UTS Computational Intelligence and Brain Computer Interface Centre, is a leading researcher in brain computer interfaces (BCI).

An expert in wearable and wireless devices, Professor Lin combines human physiological information with artificial intelligence (AI) to develop advanced monitoring and feedback systems.

“I want to improve the flow of information from humans to robots, so humans can make better informed decisions,” said Professor Lin.

An internationally-recognised expert in nanotechnology, Professor Francesca Iacopi will design and produce the graphene-based smart sensors required for the wearable device.  

Professor Iacopi has developed a novel method to embed graphene-based microdevices on silicon wafers. The process can be adapted for large-scale manufacturing.

Professor Iacopi said most graphene synthesis methods are not compatible with semiconductor technologies, precluding miniaturised applications.

“The new synthesis I developed will help obtain graphene from sources that make it more accessible and affordable.”

The project has received $1.2 million in funding from the Defence Innovation Hub.

The innovative technology has potential applications across multiple sectors including MedTech and biotechnology.

This article was originally published by UTS, here.