OpenBCI Discovery Program: Exoskelaton BCI

There are currently more than 1 billion people worldwide who are disabled and from that 15 million individuals are paralysed. Paralyzed individuals are often told they may never regain mobility, and with no new innovative solutions, they are left unable to do the most simple tasks such as walking, making them reliant on caregivers. 

Paralysis comes in different forms listed below:

• Monoplegia – Affects one arm or leg
• Hemiplegia – Affects one side of the body, including an arm and leg
• Paraplegia – Affects both legs
• Quadriplegia – Affects both arms and legs

BCI Exoskelaton is a prosthetic system designed to improve the lives of individuals with limb loss and those with limited motor functions, such as those affected by conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

1. What are you making?

I’m developing a brain-controlled exoskeleton arm designed to help people who have difficulty moving their arms, such as individuals with paralysis, regain control over their movements. This device works by using a headset that detects brain signals, which are then processed and translated into specific actions for the exoskeleton. Essentially, the person thinks about moving their arm, and the exoskeleton interprets these thoughts, activating motors and joints in the arm to mimic natural movement.

The exoskeleton isn’t a permanent replacement for an arm but acts as an assistive device, offering support and helping the user perform everyday tasks more independently—like picking up a glass of water or holding a pen. My goal is to make this technology more affordable, durable, and easy to use compared to existing options, which are often costly and less accessible. By creating a more adaptable exoskeleton, I hope to give people the freedom to regain mobility in their arms without needing extensive surgeries or expensive equipment, empowering them to lead more active, independent lives.

2. How are OpenBCI tools being applied?

The technology provided by OpenBCI will be utilized in monitoring brain signals which will later be used to send controls to the exoskeleton. By using the Biosensing Bundle, I can take on this project in multiple ways, since I have different types of hardware and software tools. Below, I wrote the use applications of every item provided by OpenBCI.

Cyton + Daisy Biosensing Board

• Since this board can read up to 16 channels I will use the following channels to detect movement-related potentials (MRPs): F3, F4, C3, C4, P3, P4, O1, O2, T3, T4, Fp1, and Fp2.
• This board also provides really high-resolution brainwave signals, which allows me to conduct a detailed analysis of the electrical activity in different brain regions to maximize accuracy when connected with the Mark IV EEG Headset.

 Ultracortex Mark IV EEG Headset

• This headset is compatible with the Cyton + Daisy Biosensing Board which provides 16-channel high-quality brain signal readings. 
• Flexibility in sizes and an increase in comfort will support users who may be unfamiliar with EEG technology. 
• I am choosing the preassembled version as I don’t have access to a 3D printer and this will ensure the headset is correctly assembled. Furthermore, it allows me to spend more time on the construction of the project as a whole.

 EEG Headband Kit:

• I would use this kit when setting up the whole headset would be impractical, this would increase my overall efficiency towards the completion of the project. 
• The small, flexible design also makes it easier to apply in situations where a full headset could be cumbersome, like during initial trials or prototyping. 

Gold Cup Electrodes: 

• These electrodes will be used in conjunction with the EEG headset to ensure high-quality contact with the scalp for accurate EEG readings. They are critical for minimizing noise thus improving signal clarity.

EMG/ECG Snap Gel Electrodes + Pack:

• These electrodes will be used to monitor muscle activity (EMG) and heart signals (ECG). EMG data can help correlate physical movements with brain activity, while ECG data can provide insights into the user’s emotional state.

Dry EEG Comb Electrode:

• Increases the convenience of use to collect data
• May improve data collection efficiency, making it easier to gather data in various settings, including outdoor experiments or public demonstrations.

Pulse Sensor (Heart-Rate Monitor):

• Monitoring the heart rate in the project can be correlated with brain activity to see how emotional states and physical exertion may affect brain signals.

3. Why is this important?

This project is important because it addresses a real need for people who have lost arm mobility or strength, helping them regain independence in their daily lives. By creating an exoskeleton arm that can be controlled through brain signals, I’m making a project as an extension of the body, allowing people to move and interact with their environment just by thinking.

4. Who is involved in this project?

Currently the project consists of me although I plan to work with others during the project as well. If you guys want to work together, reach out to me!

5. Want to learn more about this project?

To learn more about this project, you can visit my LinkedIn or Medium page for constant updates on the project. I post regular updates on the project every other month, and you can also reach out to my LinkedIn if you have any questions!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarav-sharma-/

Medium: https://medium.com/@aaravsharma23

Email: [email protected]