Australian researchers have developed a new brain-computer interface (BCI) that utilizes the incredible properties of graphene, a carbon-based material just one atom thick. With funding from Australia’s Defense Innovation Hub, the team at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) developed an effective “dry” sensor made from silicon and graphene, which can read brain signals and translate them into commands for machines. This breakthrough technology could one day make hands-free and voice-free control of robots possible, without the need for external devices such as keyboards, touchscreens, or hand-gesture recognition.
Current BCIs that translate brain activity into commands for machines are mainly used for medical reasons. For instance, someone with a limb amputation can use a BCI to control a prosthetic with their mind, while individuals with paralysis can use it to “type” words on a computer screen just by thinking about them. However, non-medical applications of BCIs are being explored, such as controlling smartphones with thoughts or even enhancing intelligence by “merging with AI.”
Evolving Technology
One of the challenges of developing BCIs is the difficulty of reading brain signals without invasive techniques such as implanting tech into the skull. Another challenge is the use of external “wet” sensors, which are covered in gels that can cause skin irritation and have a time limit on how long they can be used. The UTS researchers overcame these limitations by combining the best of graphene, which is very biocompatible and conductive, with the best of silicon technology, making the biosensor very resilient and robust to use.
To test their dry sensors, the researchers built them into a BCI with an augmented reality headset that displayed multiple squares of light, each linked to one of six different commands for a robot dog. The wearer could issue a certain command by concentrating on the corresponding square, and the dry sensors behind their ear read their brain activity and sent the order to the robot dog. The researchers collaborated with the Australian Army to demonstrate the system, and the correct command was issued with an average accuracy of 94%.
The dry sensors were not as accurate as wet ones, but the difference was small enough that the researchers believe the tech would be able to mostly close the gap with more precise sensor placement and pressure in a headset. The potential for this technology is broad and could be implemented in various systems by translating brain waves into zeros and ones. This breakthrough brings us a step closer to noninvasive BCIs for many applications, both on and off the battlefield.
