The Use of Brain Waves for Health Technology
Brain Computing: the use of brain waves for health technology. Technological progress in Indonesia is considered to be developing very rapidly. This is evidenced by the many technology-based innovations created directly by Indonesians. According to a report from the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), Indonesia was ranked 46th in terms of technological progress in 2012. This assessment is based on various innovations and technological systems implemented in Indonesia. Currently, technology has successfully dominated various fields, such as communications, education, and even healthcare.
Moving on from the application of technology in the healthcare sector, three ITB Electrical Engineering students designed a device that can transmit brain signals to move a robotic hand. The three students are Ausi Hernanto (Electrical Engineering 2009), Muhammad Husni (Electrical Engineering 2009), and Makmur Koko (Electrical Engineering 2009). This device is designed to help people with chronic diseases. stroke who are unable to move their body tissues. Through a final assignment research entitled ‘Brain Computer Interface as a Robot Hand Controller, this team tried to design the tool simply so that it could be used by sufferers.
Brain Computer Interface Technology
System Brain Computer Interface computer-assisted communication (BCI) is a system that allows humans to use brain-generated signals to send commands to a computer or machine. The system's purpose is to assist people with physiological disorders or physical disabilities related to the motor nervous system. In other words, BCI technology is a technique for controlling a device using the mind.
At the beginning of the BCI design, this system was expected to be used as a means of communication for people with total paralysis, for rehabilitation, and could also be used for control techniques in computer games. A BCI system consists of measuring brain signals, and then a brain signal processing system is carried out to detect unique patterns that will be translated into commands, such as brain patterns when relaxed. "In using the BCI system, we use the BCI2000 application which is often used for research related to brain waves," said Ausi.
Perancangan Robot Tangan
The three students, who will graduate in July 2014, designed a hand-shaped robot connected to a brainwave transmitter. This device resembles a human hand and can move with the help of the BCI2000 application, and, of course, with the user's thoughts. This simple hand robot is designed to help stroke patients maintain their activities. In his explanation, Ausi added that the hand robot can move, such as gripping, tapping, and pointing, just like a human hand.
This tool has been tested at the event Electrical Engineering Days (EE-daysheld by ITB Electrical Engineering on Tuesday - Friday (03-06/06/14) took place in the West Hall, ITB. In the event, visitors had the opportunity to try using the hand robot created by Ausi, Husni, and Makmur by using their thought waves. "When tested, several visitors managed to move the tool. This is due to the brain not focusing when using the tool, to improve the user's ability to operate BCI, special training is also needed," added Ausi.
The application of BCI to this robotic hand is still considered very rudimentary, as it cannot move responsively without special training. The three researchers hope this research can be further developed to enable patients with chronic diseases to... stroke can freely express themselves like humans. "The research conducted by these Electrical Engineering students deserves appreciation, because through such things, Indonesia can give birth to innovation, and is able to develop technology in Indonesia," said Arif Sasongko (Lecturer in Electrical Engineering ITB) as Chair of the EE- Committee.days.
Sumber Gambar: itb.ac.id