Researchers Develop EEG

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have successfully modified a commercial virtual reality (VR) headset to measure brain activity. They integrated a noninvasive electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor into a Meta VR headset, allowing for the monitoring of the brain’s electrical activity during VR experiences.

The team’s EEG-enabled VR headset has various potential applications, including aiding individuals with anxiety, assessing attention and mental stress levels of aviators training in flight simulators, and offering a first-person perspective through the eyes of a robot.

Traditional EEG devices are typically in the form of caps covered in electrodes. However, these do not work effectively with VR headsets. Additionally, individual electrodes struggle to provide accurate readings due to hair obstructing the connection with the scalp. Common electrodes, which are rigid and comb-shaped, can also be uncomfortable for users.

To overcome these challenges, the researchers developed a spongy electrode made of soft, conductive materials. The modified headset features electrodes integrated into the top strap and forehead pad, a flexible circuit with conductive traces similar to electronic tattoos, and an EEG recording device attached to the back of the headset.

The researchers conducted a driving simulation game to test the viability of the EEG-enabled VR headset. By measuring the subjects’ brain activity as they made driving decisions, the EEG data provided insights into their level of attention.

The team has filed preliminary patent paperwork for their EEG technology and is open to partnering with VR companies to incorporate it into future headset designs.

This breakthrough in integrating EEG sensors into VR headsets offers a more comfortable and accessible solution for measuring brain activity during immersive experiences. It expands the potential applications of VR technology in various fields, from healthcare to aviation training.