EU - TOBI - Tools for brain-computer interaction

TOBI will develop practical technology for brain-computer interaction; i.e., non-invasive BCI prototypes combined with other assistive technologies (AT) that will have a real impact in improving the quality of life of disabled people. These non-invasive BCI are based on electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The expected impact of TOBI is a wide-spread use of BCI assistive technology endowed with adaptive capabilities that augment those other AT they are combined with. In such a hybrid approach users can fuse brain interaction and muscle-based interaction or can switch between different channels naturally (based on monitoring of physiological parameters or mental states).

We have identified 4 application areas where BCI assistive technology can have a real, measurable impact, in terms of pre-clinical validation, for people with motor disabilities. The applications areas are: Communication and Control, Motor Substitution, Entertainment, and Motor Recovery. TOBI will deliver short-term BCI assistive prototypes for each of the application areas by the first year that will be tested and evaluated by the second year. Then, we will build upon the work done for the achievement of these short-term milestones to create more advanced technology based on novel hybrid architectures, adaptive principles, as well as EEG hardware and common implementation platforms. This final BCI assistive technology will be tested and evaluated in real life situations by a large number of end-users. Finally, TOBI will devote substantial efforts to create awareness of TOBI results among the key players. For this we will organize a series of annual workshops.