Controlling a robotic vehicle with “brainwaves”
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) researchers have developed a wearable sensing technology that enables users to remotely control a robotic vehicle using brainwaves. The technology was showcased at the Army Robotics Expo 2021 held in Brisbane.
Led by Distinguished Professor CT Lin and Professor Francesca Iacopi, the project has received $1.2 million in funding from the Department of Defence through the Defence Innovation Hub.
“We were excited to be able to demonstrate the concepts and technology to Army and RAAF personnel,” said Professor Iacopi.
The UTS team showed robotic devices moving in the event space without the users using their hands. Instead, the intended robot movement was communicated through physiological sensors detecting and decoding electrical brain signals and sending those signals to the device.
Mr Daniel Leong, Professor CT Lin, Professor Francesca Iacopi and Mr Sai Singanamalla. Image courtesy of UTS.
Professor Iacopi is developing innovative sensors for this project using graphene – a single, thin layer of graphite, which is the same material found in lead pencils.
The graphene is embedded in silicon wafers to create a material that is highly resilient, biocompatible and conductive for a better prolonged contact with the human skin.
Professor Lin is developing the wearable electronics and artificial intelligence algorithms for decoding the brain signals and controlling a robotic device.
Professor Lin said the opportunity to trial the technology at the Expo gave attendees an insight into the world to come. At the Expo a glass screen was used to display robot navigation information, but this can be transferred to wearable items such as glasses or a helmet visor.
“Currently people use touch to control phones and tablets," Professor Lin said. “In the future you will have sensors embedded in gear that can detect brain signals and communicate with computers and smart appliances using thought.”
As well as defence applications, the wearable technology has significant potential for people with disability. It could facilitate many aspects of daily living, including controlling a wheelchair or operating prosthetics.
“The project aims to build the capability of our defence forces and our high-tech industries and jobs, with the innovative technology having potential commercial applications across multiple sectors,” said Professor Iacopi.
The current project began in 2020 and is due for completion in 2022. It builds on UTS research in AI, robotics and innovative materials.