Researchers at the Gilan Science and Technology Park in northern Iran have developed a home-grown brain-controlled wheelchair, ISNA reported on January 2.
Babak Asheri, project manager, says the wheelchair has been based on the use of brain signals.
“When the user wants to turn left [or right], the wheelchair moves in that direction by the brain signals it receives” Asheri noted.
“When someone has a reaction, the brain sends micro-vault signals depending on where the signal is being sent from in the brain. The signals are received by several electrodes which is placed on the users head, then acted out by software,” he explained.
“The reinforced signals can control and move hardware such as wheelchairs, so it turns where the user wants.”
He went on to say that after the completion of Event-Related Potentials (ERP), the wheelchair will be ready.
An ERP is the measured brain response that is the direct result of a specific sensory, cognitive, or motor event.
Game for ADHD Kids
Asheri also announced the development of a brain-controlled game for hyperactive children. The game seeks to help treat children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
He noted that when the child focuses on a subject, their brain produces signals in the forehead area. “By focusing, the child’s attention on the screen; signals are then received by electrodes placed on their head.”
“Taking advantage of this system, we produced a dark screen game which turns on when the child focuses on it.”
The announcement by the researchers is a landmark move in the country, which up until recently has not focused on sub-sectors of scientific research.
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