Some of the world’s leading technology experts have gathered in Derry to discuss how their work may transform the lives of disabled people.
More than 100 academics and researchers from 15 countries converged on Magee College - home to the University of Ulster’s flagship Intelligent Systems Research Centre (ISRC) - for the 2011 International UKIERI Workshop on Fusion of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and Assistive Robotics (AR).
ISRC Director Professor Martin McGinnity says the conference explored the latest developments in both disciplines and explored how they might improve the lives of people with severe physical disabilities.
“The conference examined some of the barriers currently impeding the integration of BCI and robotics technologies.
“If we can overcome these, it could be hugely significant for helping severely disabled people cope with their disabilities.
“A brain computer interface, primarily, uses brainwaves modulated through voluntary cognitive tasks.
“These modulations can be used to establish a direct communication link between the human brain and computing devices in ways that may help people with neurological problems such as stroke.”
He says despite the potential there has been very little take up of both BCI and AR.
But he says smart wheelchair, tele-robotics, intelligent manipulators, and prosthetic and orthotic devices could be developed.
Conference chairman Dr Girijesh Prasad, who is a Reader at the Intelligent Systems Research Centre, says the conference provided an ideal opportunity to brainstorm new ideas for turning BCI and AR research into readily available and usable technologies.
He says those technologies could make real differences in the lives of disabled individuals, for example leading to greater independence and enhanced recovery of the paralysed limbs.
The two day conference was held on July 7 and 8.
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