Advances In The Integration Of Brain Machine Interfaces And Robotic Devices

Neuro-robotics is one of the most multidisciplinary fields of the last decades, fusing information and knowledge from neuroscience, engineering and computer science. This book focuses on the results from the strategic alliance between Neuroscience and Robotics that help the scientific community to better understand the brain as well as design robotic devices and algorithms for interfacing humans and robots. The first part of the book introduces the idea of neuro-robotics, by presenting state-of-the-art bio-inspired devices. The second part of the book focuses on human-machine interfaces for performance augmentation, which can seen as augmentation of abilities of healthy subjects or assistance in case of the mobility impaired. The third part of the book focuses on the inverse problem, i.e. how we can use robotic devices that physically interact with the human body, in order (a) to understand human motor control and (b) to provide therapy to neurologically impaired people or people with disabilities.

Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology provides a means of communication that allows individuals with severely impaired movement to communicate with assistive devices using the electroencephalogram (EEG) or other brain signals. The practicality of a BCI has been possible due to advances in multi-disciplinary areas of research related to cognitive neuroscience, brain-imaging techniques and human-computer interfaces. However, two major challenges remain in making BCI for assistive robotics practical for day-to-day use: the inherent lower bandwidth of BCI, and how to best handle the unknown embedded noise within the raw EEG. Brain-Computer Interfacing for Assistive Robotics is a result of research focusing on these important aspects of BCI for real-time assistive robotic application. It details the fundamental issues related to non-stationary EEG signal processing (filtering) and the need of an alternative approach for the same. Additionally, the book also discusses techniques for overcoming lower bandwidth of BCIs by designing novel use-centric graphical user interfaces. A detailed investigation into both these approaches is discussed. An innovative reference on the brain-computer interface (BCI) and its utility in computational neuroscience and assistive robotics Written for mature and early stage researchers, postgraduate and doctoral students, and computational neuroscientists, this book is a novel guide to the fundamentals of quantum mechanics for BCI Full-colour text that focuses on brain-computer interfacing for real-time assistive robotic application and details the fundamental issues related with signal processing and the need for alternative approaches A detailed introduction as well as an in-depth analysis of challenges and issues in developing practical brain-computer interfaces.

Handbook of Human-Machine Systems Insightful and cutting-edge discussions of recent developments in human-machine systems In Handbook of Human-Machine Systems, a team of distinguished researchers delivers a comprehensive exploration of human-machine systems (HMS) research and development from a variety of illuminating perspectives. The book offers a big picture look at state-of-the-art research and technology in the area of HMS. Contributing authors cover Brain-Machine Interfaces and Systems, including assistive technologies like devices used to improve locomotion. They also discuss advances in the scientific and engineering foundations of Collaborative Intelligent Systems and Applications. Companion technology, which combines trans-disciplinary research in fields like computer science, AI, and cognitive science, is explored alongside the applications of human cognition in intelligent and artificially intelligent system designs, human factors engineering, and various aspects of interactive and wearable computers and systems. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to human-machine systems via the use of emblematic use cases, as well as discussions of potential future research challenges Comprehensive explorations of hybrid technologies, which focus on transversal aspects of human-machine systems Practical discussions of human-machine cooperation principles and methods for the design and evaluation of a brain-computer interface Perfect for academic and technical researchers with an interest in HMS, Handbook of Human-Machine Systems will also earn a place in the libraries of technical professionals practicing in areas including computer science, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, engineering, psychology, and neurobiology.

This book presents state-of-the-art research, challenges and solutions in the area of human–robot collaboration (HRC) in manufacturing. It enables readers to better understand the dynamic behaviour of manufacturing processes, and gives more insight into on-demand adaptive control techniques for industrial robots. With increasing complexity and dynamism in today’s manufacturing practice, more precise, robust and practical approaches are needed to support real-time shop-floor operations. This book presents a collection of recent developments and innovations in this area, relying on a wide range of research efforts. The book is divided into five parts. The first part presents a broad-based review of the key areas of HRC, establishing a common ground of understanding in key aspects. Subsequent chapters focus on selected areas of HRC subject to intense recent interest. The second part discusses human safety within HRC. The third, fourth and fifth parts provide in-depth views of relevant methodologies and algorithms. Discussing dynamic planning and monitoring, adaptive control and multi-modal decision making, the latter parts facilitate a better understanding of HRC in real situations. The balance between scope and depth, and theory and applications, means this book appeals to a wide readership, including academic researchers, graduate students, practicing engineers, and those within a variety of roles in manufacturing sectors.

Among the most interesting fields in research are the emerging possibilities to interface the human brain directly with machines, e.g. with computers and robotic interfaces. The European Space Agency's Advanced Concept team as a multidisciplinary team from engineering, artificial intelligence, and neural engineering has been working on the cutting edge of exploring brain machine interfaces for application in space as solutions to limitations astronauts face in space, and this book for the first time presents the state-of-the-art-cohesively. * A pioneering book for a pioneering field * Presents the application of cutting-edge brain machine interface technologies and concepts to support astronauts in space * Of great interest to space scientists, neuroscientists, and biomedical engineers alike

This book provides a cutting-edge overview of the latest developments in Brain-Computer-Interfaces (BCIs), reported by leading research groups. As the reader will discover, BCI research is moving ahead rapidly, with many new ideas, research initiatives, and improved technologies, e.g. BCIs that enable people to communicate just by thinking – without any movement at all. Several different groups are helping severely disabled users communicate using BCIs, and BCI technology is also being extended to facilitate recovery from stroke, epilepsy, and other conditions. Each year, hundreds of the top BCI scientists, engineers, doctors, and other visionaries compete for the most prestigious honor in the BCI research community: the annual BCI Award. The 2013 BCI Award competition was by far the most competitive, with over 160 research groups vying for a nomination. The chapters of this book summarize the ten projects that were nominated, in particular the winning project, and analyses how these reflect general trends in BCI development. Each project summary includes an introduction, description of methods, results, and also includes newer work completed after the project was entered for the competition. The texts are presented in accessible style with numerous supporting pictures, graphs, and figures.