An open-source and cross-platform framework for Brain Computer Interface-guided robotic arm control.
Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) have focused on several areas, of which motor substitution has received particular interest. Whereas open-source BCI software is available to facilitate cost-effective collaboration between research groups, it mainly focuses on communication and computer control. We developed an open-source and cross-platform framework, which works with cost-effective equipment that allows researchers to enter the field of BCI-based motor substitution without major investments upfront. It is based on the C++ programming language and the Qt framework, and offers a separate class for custom MATLAB/Simulink scripts. It has been tested using a 14-channel wireless electroencephalography (EEG) device and a low-cost robotic arm that offers 5° of freedom. The software contains four modules to control the robotic arm, one of which receives input from the EEG device. Strengths, current limitations, and future developments will be discussed.
Department of neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.
Pieter L
PL
Kubben
Nader
N
Pouratian
Brain computer interface; neural interface; neuroprosthesis; neuroprosthetics; robotics