BCI-controlled mechatronic devices, systems, and environments

Abstract

Use of BCIs in patients with severe neurological deficits can improve their quality of life (QoL), provide them increased independence, and possibly increase effectiveness, shorten, and reduce cost of diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and care. Many publications have shown evidences for efficacy of BCI-based neurorehabilitation so far, including application as output devices mechatronic modules such as robots and active orthosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which the available opportunities in BCI-based control of mechatronic devices are being exploited, and discuss their perspectives and directions of further research from the engineers’ point of view.