Aviator: single channel control system using electroencephalography (EEG) signals
Aviator, a venture spun out of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), is leveraging UTS’ proprietary thought classification software to develop a wheelchair control solution to meet the needs of the severely disabled and paralysed.
Functional limitations and activity restrictions associated with spinal cord injuries, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy cerebral palsy and balance disorders can have serious negative impact on quality of life. Using the user’s brain waves as the sole input to control the device without requiring physical input, Aviator aims to place people back in the pilot seat.
Current wheelchair control systems such as joysticks require physical input that users may be unable to achieve. Sip-n-puff or chin stick systems can create a psychological barrier, if the user’s face is partially covered by equipment. The Aviator system (pictured) is small and inexpensive to manufacture in comparison to other, more hardware-intensive and obtrusive control systems.
In addition to valuable mentoring from the Commercialisation Australia Case Manager, the Skills and Knowledge grant and funding from the UTS Invention Commercialisation Seed Fund have enabled Aviator to access a qualified business consultant with over 20 years experience in product development, finance, marketing, manufacturing and logistics. The grant also enabled Aviator to participate in ANZATech’s Gateway to the US Program held in Silicon Valley in November 2010.
In March 2010 Australian science television program Catalyst featured Professor Nguyen’s research into smart wheelchairs and a demonstration of the Aviator thought classification wheelchair control technology in action. Video and blogs can be viewed at the Catalyst website.
In August 2010 Aviator pitched at Tech23, a conference for innovative, early-stage ICT companies held annually in Sydney, and was the winner of the categories “Most Exciting Innovation” and “Most Potential for Global Expansion”. In October 2010 Aviator was a finalist in Enterprise 2010, an annual national business planning competition run by the University of Queensland. Later in November, Aviator was invited to present at the Science House pitching session in New York.
The inventor of Aviator, Professor Hung Nguyen, is currently employed as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at UTS. Professor Nguyen leads a research team developing new, socially relevant technologies in line with priorities established by the Australian Government. Professor Nguyen and his team have previously commercialised a non-invasive hypoglycaemia monitor for diabetic patients, designed a stealth-based system for early detection of breast cancer, and developed an EEG-based system for monitoring and prevention of driver fatigue.
[Pictures courtesy of Kiln]