Collaborative Brain-Computer Interface for People with Motor Disabilities [Research Frontier]

This research investigates the effects of collaboration mode, luminance contrast and motor disability on task performance, brain activity and satisfaction of users with motor disabilities who performed a robot control task using a collaborative brain-computer interface (C-BCI) based on steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs). Users can perform the task by himself/herself (individual mode), working together (simultaneous mode), or taking turns (sequential mode). Fourteen amyotrophic laterals sclerosis (ALS) participants and fourteen able-bodied participants of similar age were recruited from local ALS association and local communities. Results showed that participants in both groups had significantly better task performance and stronger brain activity in collaborative modes than individual mode. High luminance contrast produced significantly better task performance and stronger brain activity than low luminance contrast. There was no significant effect of motor disability between ALS participants and able-bodied participants. The two groups showed very similar task performance and brain activity. These results could provide precious empirical data and invaluable insights to the real-world applicability of the SSVEP-based BCI applications for people with motor disabilities.