Imagine
using a brain-to-computer interface that enables people to control drones with
their minds. It’s
not science fiction anymore, and project BRAINFLIGHT is making it possible!
The
BRAINFLIGHT project, the result of the shared belief of four organizations –
TEKEVER (Project Coordinator – Portugal), Champalimaud Foundation (Portugal),
Eagle Science (Netherlands) and Technische Universität München (Germany) – that
aircraft can be directly controlled by the human brain, has accomplished
several important results and is paving the way for having mind controlled
drones.
During
a public presentation in Lisbon (Portugal), TEKEVER and Champalimaud teams use
high-performance electroencephalogram (EEG) systems to measure brain waves
noninvasively, and then use specially conceived algorithms to convert brain
signals into drone commands. The “drone operator”, wearing a cap that measures
brain activity, influences the drone’s path using nothing but simple thoughts.
Essentially, the electricity flowing through the pilot's brain acts as an input
to the drone’s control system, in order to perform, on the air, a mission with
objectives previously defined by the research team.
“The project has successfully
demonstrated that the use of the brain computer interface (BMI) on a simulator for
the Diamond DA42 aircraft, where one pilot controlled the simulator through the
BRAINLFIGHT system. We’ve also integrated the BMI the UAV ground systems and
have successfully tested it in UAV simulators. We’re now taking it one step
further, and performing live flight tests with the UAV.”, said Ricardo Mendes
TEKEVER’s COO.
BRAINFLIGHT uses a
multi-disciplinary approach of combining aeronautical systems engineering with
neuro-science research. The project explores two different brain-computer
interface (BCI) approaches. For this purpose, researchers have used the BCI
system in a four seat, twin engine, propeller-driven aircraft simulator (the
Diamond DA42). The final step in the project is the validation of the BCI
approaches through control of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in real flight.
Ricardo
Mendes, TEKEVER’s COO, said “this is an
amazing high-risk and high-payoff project, with long-term impact that has
already provided excellent results and will require further technology
maturation. We truly believe that BRAINFLIGHT represents the beginning of a
tremendous step change in the aviation field, empowering pilots and de-risking
missions, and we’re looking forward to deliver these benefits to the market
with highly innovative products.”
BRAINFLIGHT
is a project with significant impacts, both in mid and long terms. If BCI is
adopted in the future as a method of control for aircraft (both manned and
remotely piloted) then the project will potentially benefit the entire pilot
community (from ultralight and general aviation to commercial aviation).
Through the operant BCI approach, we believe people will be able to pilot
aircraft just like they perform everyday activities like walking or running.
This will mean that pilots will be able to focus on higher cognitive activities
while still being able to operate such a complex system as an aircraft (akin to
how professional sportsmen can focus on the tactical aspects of movement without
worrying about maintaining proficiency on the basic game skills for example).
Pilots will reduce their workload and physically disabled people may benefit in
the medium term by becoming able to pilot aircraft. In addition, one of the
obvious areas of application of this technology is advanced prosthetics, enabling
people with severe physical disabilities to interact with their surroundings in
an easier way. Another possibility is the application of the project results to
the control of other complex systems like automobiles, boats, trains or any
other system that combines physical interactions necessary for its control with
a need for greater attention and focus on instruments or surroundings.
