Robot assistance system for the fast and highly precise application of multi-channel EEG setups

Project Description

Intelligent robot skills for medical engineering applications

PROJECT GOALS

The number of cases in the area of mental and neurological illnesses is steadily increasing. The diagnostics necessary for treatment is, in most cases, based on an electroencephalogram (EEG). It would be highly beneficial to capture the EEG individually, long-term, and unobtrusively in everyday life. However, due to technological limitations, this is currently only inadequately possible. RoboAppEE combines medical knowledge and experience with the technical capabilities of a machine. The goal is to create an interactive system in which a person graphically specifies the electrode positions for EEG capture, and the robot performs the application on the head.

INNOVATION & METHODOLOGY

The prerequisite for this approach is a light-curing polymer electrode that is highly conductive in the cured state and adheres closely to the scalp. For the robotic arm, a user-centered applicator is developed that gently parts the hair, secures the lead cable, applies a drop of liquid electrode, and cures with blue light. Sensors and software to be developed capture the head shape, optimize the wiring, and enable sensitive movements of the robotic arm for application. The robot-based electrode application offers, for the first time, the opportunity for an individualized installation of up to 128 polymer EEG electrodes – quickly, reproducibly, and unobtrusively.

OUR CONTRIBUTION

Gestalt Robotics initially collaborates with partners to define the requirements and design the overall system with a user-centered approach. Primarily, Gestalt Robotics is responsible for the technical development of the assistance functions, which do not solely concern the hand applicator. Specifically, there will be interactive collaboration in the development of the actuator design with the applicator, software interface, and the setup and testing of the overall system. In the overall project, Gestalt Robotics is thus responsible for providing and designing software functions for 3D measurement of head geometry and for the safe haptic application of the electrodes. © PetESys UG