Novel Applications of BCI Technology: Psychophysiological Optimization of Working Conditions in Industry
Bastian Venthur, Benjamin Blankertz, Manfred Gugler and Gabriel Curio
In: SMC 2010, Oct 2010, Istanbul, Turkey.
Brain Computer Interface (BCI) research advanced
for more than forty years, providing a rich variety of sophisticated
data analysis methods. Yet, most BCI studies have been restricted
to the laboratory with controlled and undisturbed environment.
BCI research was aiming at developing tools for communication
and control. Recently, BCI research has broadened to explore
novel applications for improved man-machine interaction.
In the present study, we investigated the option to employ
neurotechnology in an industrial environment for the psychophys-
iological optimization of working conditions in such settings. Our
ﬁndings suggest that it is possible to use BCI-related analysis
techniques to qualify responses of an operator by assessing the
depth of cognitive processing on the basis of neuronal correlates
of behaviourally relevant measures. This could lead to assistive
technologies helping to avoid accidents in working environments
by designing a collaborative workspace in which the environment
takes into account the actual cognitive mental state of the