Wearable Brain–Computer Interface Instrumentation for Robot-Based Rehabilitation by Augmented Reality

Abstract

An instrument for remote control of the robot by wearable brain–computer interface (BCI) is proposed for rehabilitating children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Augmented reality (AR) glasses generate flickering stimuli, and a single-channel electroencephalographic BCI detects the elicited steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs). This allows benefiting from the SSVEP robustness by leaving available the view of robot movements. Together with the lack of training, a single channel maximizes the device’s wearability, fundamental for the acceptance by ADHD children. Effectively controlling the movements of a robot through a new channel enhances rehabilitation engagement and effectiveness. A case study at an accredited rehabilitation center on ten healthy adult subjects highlighted an average accuracy higher than 83%, with information transfer rate (ITR) up to 39 b/min. Preliminary further tests on four ADHD patients between six- and eight-years old provided highly positive feedback on device acceptance and attentional performance.