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Brain–computer interfaces for space applications

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Abstract

Recent experiments have shown the possibility to use the brain electrical activity to directly control the movement of robots. Such a kind of brain–computer interface is a natural way to augment human capabilities by providing a new interaction link with the outside world and is particularly relevant as an aid for paralysed humans, although it also opens up new possibilities in human–robot interaction for able-bodied people. One of these new fields of application is the use of brain–computer interfaces in the space environment, where astronauts are subject to extreme conditions and could greatly benefit from direct mental teleoperation of external semi-automatic manipulators—for instance, mental commands could be sent without any output/latency delays, as it is the case for manual control in microgravity conditions. Previous studies show that there is a considerable potential for this technology onboard spacecraft.

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Fig. 1

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Notes

  1. Domotics: Use and control of robotic and semi-automatic devices in domestic applications.

Abbreviations

AI:

Artificial intelligence

ANN:

Artificial neural networks

BCI:

Brain–computer interface

CNS:

Central nervous system

EEG:

Electroencephalogram

EVA:

Extra-vehicular activity

fMRI:

functional magnetic resonance imaging

GCR:

Galactic cosmic rays

HDT:

Head-down tilt

IDIAP:

Institute dalle-molle d’Intelligence artificielle perceptuelle

IVA:

Intra-vehicular activity

LEO:

Low-earth orbit

MEG:

Magneto-encephalography

MMU:

Manned manoeuvring unit

PET:

Positron emission tomography

SAFER:

Simplified aid for EVA rescue

SCR:

Solar cosmic radiation

SPE:

Solar particles events

SPR:

Solar particle radiation

UV:

Ultra-violet

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Advanced Space Systems and Technologies, GMV, Isaac Newton 11, P.T.M. Tres Cantos, 28760, Madrid, Spain

    Cristina de Negueruela

  2. Germanischer Lloyd Industrial Services GmbH, Hamburg, Germany

    Michael Broschart

  3. School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada

    Carlo Menon

  4. Advanced Concepts Team, European Space Agency, Noordwijk, The Netherlands

    Cristina de Negueruela, Michael Broschart & Carlo Menon

  5. Defitech Chair in Non-Invasive Brain-Machine Interface Center for Neuroprosthetics, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

    José del R. Millán

Authors
  1. Cristina de Negueruela
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  2. Michael Broschart
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  3. Carlo Menon
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  4. José del R. Millán
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cristina de Negueruela.

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de Negueruela, C., Broschart, M., Menon, C. et al. Brain–computer interfaces for space applications. Pers Ubiquit Comput 15, 527–537 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00779-010-0322-8

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