A new control system for space robot based on Brain-Computer Interfaces

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are a new way that can enable information exchange without any movement but just through the mind. This technology improves the communication and control capabilities of human beings with the outside world, which often uses to help disabled people. In recent years, BCIs begin to be explored to assist people in some extreme conditions such as in space to control space robot. However, it is still not very clear that how to operate space robots robustly and flexibly in complex conditions. Furthermore, in order to control space robots more effectively, the combination of multi bio-signals has been rarely reported up to now. This paper introduced a new biological sensing system of space robot based on brain-computer interactive control. We combined multi bio-signals which were electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyography (EMG) and voice to send the mission control command for the space robot. In the system, biological dry electrode sensors and a microprocessor module were utilized to collect or analyze these bio-signals. The simulating space experiments indicated the reliability, safety and low-power consumption of the space robot control system. Undoubtedly, to the aim of space robot controlling, this study explores a novel way for astronauts getting along with space robots in the outer space.