Toward fabric-based EEG access technologies: Seamless knit electrodes for a portable brain-computer interface

Brain-computer interfaces represent a promising access method for communication and environmental interaction for individuals with profound physical disabilities. However, such systems are often large and obtrusive, limiting their practical use for daily communication. Fabric-based electrodes may offer an alternative which is wearable in naturalistic settings, enabling long-term use. We describe preliminary tests to measure and characterize EEG signals using novel fabric-based electrodes produced via seamless knitting and integrated into a comfortable headband. EEG signals were measured from five locations on the forehead, corresponding to locations in the international 10–20 system. Preliminary offline results demonstrated decreased alpha band power (7.5–12 Hz) while performing mental math compared to relaxation (both with eyes closed) in two participants. In further tests, we will investigate the ability to distinguish between mental tasks in real time. A fabric-based EEG headband could significantly impact the lives of individuals with communication disabilities by allowing an unobtrusive and comfortable means of communication through automated sensing of brain activity. The current study represents a preliminary assessment of signal quality and investigation of key characteristics distinguishable in the fabric-based EEG signal.