Brain computer interfaces (BCI)
A high-fidelity minimally invasive brain computer interface
This project by Elliott Magee was to design and test a BCI realistically usable for long-term human applications. It needed to have minimal infection risks and minimal invasiveness, yet a signal quality comparable to invasive BCIs. The project involved discussion with both clinicians and patients to produce a system that would be accepted amongst the medical community.
Using EEG to play a computer game
We use Electroencephalography (EEG) to control actions on a computer. This involves using code to translate brain signals into left and right movements on a mouse or cursor. Brain Computer Interfaces are important for rehabilitation engineering and could benefit patients who suffer from severe motor impairment, such as spinal cord injury.
A high-fidelity minimally invasive brain computer interface
Designing a Clinically Viable Brain Computer Interface for the Control of Neuroprosthetics (2021). View the thesis.
Using an electroencephalogram to play a computer game
Vion, a 17-year-old sixth form student on work experience at Aspire CREATE, describes his experience of testing an electroencephalogram (EEG) to control a computer game.
Haptics
Haptics uses touch to interact with virtual objects. It is commonly used for stroke rehabilitation and for training dentists and surgeons. Peter Snow has used Haptics to combat phantom limb pain (PLP), which is experienced by 50-80% of upper-limb amputees.
Haptics for amputees
Haptics is the science of applying touch to interact with virtual objects. During work experience, 15-year-old Omonye Ifidon discovered how this might be used to assist amputees.
1 August 2017
Adaptive shared control systems
Shared control systems combine automation and user control in one system. Adaptive systems adjust themselves to handle varying parameters, such as distances to obstructions. This means the system can distribute control effectively between the user and automated components depending on the situation.
Adaptive shared control systems
Shared control systems combine automation and user control into a hybrid control system. During work experience, 17-year-old Ciara Gibbs shadowed PhD student Chi Ezeh to learn more.
1 August 2017
More Aspire CREATE research
Implants
Our work in implants and BioSignal processing includes implantable devices to restore breathing and swallowing and to control prosthetic limbs.
Neuromodulation
Neuromodulation is the use of technology in delivering electrical or pharmaceutical agents to affect nerve activity.
Mobility devices
We work on mobility to improve the lives of paraplegic people, from assistive technologies for wheelchairs to offering new and alternative ways to have fun or exercise.
About Aspire CREATE
Aspire Create
The Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology (Aspire CREATE) is an exciting joint research venture working to improve the quality of life of people with spinal cord injuries.
Our experts
Professor of Surgical and Rehabilitation Engineering
Professor of Assistive Robotics
Assistant Professor (Lecturer) in Medical Technologies
Selected publications
- Pacaux-Lemoine MP, Habib L, Sciacca N & Carlson T (2020). Emulated haptic shared control for brain-computer interfaces improves human-robot cooperation. IEEE International Conference on Human-Machine Systems (ICHMS), Rome.
- Pacaux-Lemoine M, Habib L & Carlson T (2018). Human-robot cooperation through brain-computer interaction and emulated haptic supports. 2018 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology (ICIT), pp. 1973-1978.
- Rastegarpanah A, Rakhodaei H, Saadat M, Loureiro, RCV, et al (2018). Path-planning of a hybrid parallel robot using stiffness and workspace for foot rehabilitation. Advances in Mechanical Engineering. January 2018.
- Snow PW, Sedki I, Sinisi M, Comley R & Loureiro RCV (2017). Robotic therapy for phantom limb pain in upper limb amputees. International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics (ICORR), pp. 1019-1024.
- Zervudachi A, Sanchez E & Carlson T (2016). Preliminary EEG characterisation of intention to stand and walk for exoskeleton applications. 3rd International Conference on Neurorehabilitation (ICNR2016).
- Wilcox M, Rathore A, Morgado Ramirez DZ, Loureiro R & Carlson T (2016). Muscular activity and physical interaction forces during lower limb exoskeleton use. Healthcare Technology Letters.
- Rathore A, Wilcox M, Ramirez DZM, Loureiro R & Carlson T (2016). Quantifying the human-robot interaction forces between a lower limb exoskeleton and healthy users. Conference proceedings: Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual Conference, 2016, 586-589.
Related courses
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technologies, MSc
This full-time MSc focuses on the design, development, and clinical application of novel rehabilitative and assistive technologies.
Physical Therapy in Musculoskeletal Healthcare and Rehabilitation, MSc
We explore the underlying principles of physical therapy. Gain experience of clinically applying rehabilitation techniques. Delivered by specialists at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
Media
Can your brain control machines?
Professor Tom Carlson discussed his group's research into the development of brain-machine interfaces (BMI) on 'Mornings with Simi' for Global News Radio in Vancouver, Canada. Listen on Spotify.
Professor Tom Carlson on Instant Genius Podcast
Instant Genius is a bite-sized masterclass podcast for the BBC Science Focus Magazine. In this episode, Professor Tom Carlson explores the rapidly expanding world of brain-machine interfaces.
How to reach us
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
Brockley Hill
Stanmore, HA7 4LP
Stanmore Campus
Some of the teaching and research activity of the Research Department of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science takes place at the Stanmore Campus.
