Wheelchair simulator controlled by a brain-computer interface based on steady state visually evoked potentials

Abstract

Once unthinkable, it is now possible to record and interpret brain signals to generate application commands through a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). This innovative technology of human-computer interaction brings hope to people with severe motor disabilities to improve their quality of life and social insertion. This study aims to analyze the feasibility of using a BCI based on Steady State Visually Evoked Potentials (SSVEP) in the control of a wheelchair. For this purpose, a 3D simulator of a wheelchair was developed and the user interaction was analyzed. The results show the feasibility of controlling the wheelchair simulator by BCI-SSVEP. However, it is still necessary to analyze the interaction performance in a real environment and to make improvements in the BCI and in the control system to guarantee a safer and more efficient experience to the user.