Brain-Computer Interfaces and Pupillary Accommodative Response for ALS
Advancing Assistive Technology for People with ALS through Innovative Interaction
The BCIpar4SLA project investigates the potential of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) combined with pupillary accommodative responses to create more intuitive and effective assistive technologies for people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This research aims to develop innovative interaction methods that empower ALS users to communicate and interact with their environment, even in advanced stages of the condition.
Funded by the Fondazione CRT through the 2021 Ordinary Requests Call, the project is led by the Department of Computer Science at the University of Turin in collaboration with the Departments of Neuroscience and Psychology. With a multidisciplinary team of researchers, BCIpar4SLA focuses on merging advanced neuroscience, computer science, and human-computer interaction (HCI) techniques to address critical challenges in assistive technology design.
Key Objectives
Enhancing Communication Tools
Develop innovative BCIs that leverage pupillary response as an additional input method for communication devices.
Improved Accessibility
Create assistive technologies tailored to the needs of ALS users, ensuring usability even in conditions of severe physical limitation.
Multidisciplinary Research
Combine expertise from neuroscience, psychology, and computer science to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Research Framework
The project explores the integration of BCIs with pupillary accommodative responses, enabling interaction through non-invasive and intuitive methods. This approach aims to complement traditional BCI inputs, such as brainwave signals, by adding a new dimension of control based on the natural physiological responses of the eye.
The study focuses on both hardware and software development, ensuring that the resulting assistive technologies are robust, user-friendly, and adaptable. By addressing the specific needs of ALS users, the project seeks to enhance their autonomy and quality of life.
Recognition and Impact
The innovative nature of Wolly earned it the prestigious Google PD Educator Award, a testament to its value in advancing educational robotics and promoting collaboration between academia and the community. The project demonstrated how co-design methodologies can bridge the gap between technology and education, making robotics accessible and meaningful to young learners.
Implementation and Collaboration
The BCIpar4SLA project involves a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Turin, including experts in neuroscience, psychology, and computer science. The team includes senior researchers and research fellows who contribute to various aspects of the project, from system design to user testing. The project’s collaborative approach ensures that its outcomes are informed by diverse perspectives and expertise.
The research is funded with a budget of €35,000 and spans 18 months, beginning in January 2022. This funding supports the development and testing of the innovative solutions proposed by the project.
Impact
The BCIpar4SLA project aims to make a significant contribution to the field of assistive technology for ALS users. By developing systems that leverage both brain activity and eye responses, the project seeks to provide a more comprehensive and accessible interaction framework.
In the broader context, this research highlights the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex challenges and underscores the importance of user-centric design in assistive technology. The outcomes of BCIpar4SLA are expected to pave the way for future innovations in BCIs and other interaction technologies, ultimately empowering individuals with ALS to maintain communication and autonomy in their daily lives.
