Braincontrol basic communicator: A brain-computer interface based communicator for people with severe disabilities

Abstract

The "BrainControl Basic Communicator" (BrainControl BC) is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system based on Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. The system has been designed for patients with severe disabilities due to pathologies such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis, ischemic or traumatic injuries. The first prototype of the BrainControl BC was completed in mid 2012 and has been completed in the mid 2013. From 2012, 20 locked-in patients have been trained with success and in the last few months 12 of these patients are continuously using the system, as it represents the only possibility to communicate. BrainControl BC is part of the BrainControl project, aiming to develop a BCI platform that allows people suffering from sever disabilities to overcome physical and communicative impairments. In particular, BrainControl can help patients suffering from diseases that paralyze the whole body or parts of the body, but who retain their intellectual abilities. Future versions of BrainControl, which are currently under development, will include advanced communication and functionalities, home automation, the control of a wheelchair and robotics. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.