Brain-Robot Interfaces
using brain-robot interfaces for controlling implicit social patterns

Several emerging computer devices read bio-electrical signals (e.g., electro-corticographic signals, skin biopotential or facial muscle tension) and translate them into computer-understandable input. We investigated how one low-cost commercially-available device could be used to control a domestic robot. First, we used the device to issue direct motion commands; while we could control the device somewhat, it proved difficult to do reliably. Second, we interpreted one class of signals as suggestive of emotional stress, and used that as an emotional parameter to influence (but not directly control) robot behaviour. In this case, the robot would react to human stress by staying out of the person's way. Our work suggests that affecting behaviur may be a reasonable way to leverage such devices.

Researchers

Paul Saulnier(MSc)
Ehud Sharlin (Supervisor)
Saul Greenberg (Co-Supervisor)

Key Publications

Saulnier, P., Sharlin, E. and Greenberg, S. (2009) Using brain-robot interfaces for controlling implicit social patterns. In Workshop on Brain Machine Interfaces for Neuroprostheses and Robot Control, held at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation. (Kobe, Japan), 3 pages plus poster, May 12. A version of the similar HRI poster/paper above by the same authors.

Saulnier, P., Sharlin, E. and Greenberg, S. (2009) Using Bio-electrical Signals to Influence the Social Behaviours of Domesticated Robots. In Adjunt Proc. Human Robot Interaction (Late Breaking Abstracts) - HRI'09. (San Diego, California), 2 pages plus poster, March 11-13. Late-breaking abstract. Includes poster shown at conference.