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Posted by Okachinepa on 04/12/2025 @
Courtesy of SynEvol
Credit: Georgia Tech
Researchers at Georgia Tech have created a nearly undetectable microstructure brain sensor designed to fit into the tiny gaps between hair follicles and just beneath the skin. The sensor provides high-quality signals and enables the ongoing use of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) in daily life.
BCIs establish a direct communication link between the brain's electrical signals and external devices like electroencephalography devices, computers, robotic limbs, and various brain monitoring tools. Brain signals are typically recorded non-invasively through electrodes placed on the scalp, utilizing conductive electrode gel to ensure optimal impedance and data quality. While more invasive signal capture techniques like brain implants are feasible, this research aims to develop sensors that can be easily positioned and consistently produced.
Hong Yeo, the Harris Saunders Jr. Professor at the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, merged cutting-edge microneedle technology with his extensive knowledge in wearable sensor technology that could enable consistent brain signal monitoring over extended durations and facilitate the effortless insertion of an innovative, painless, wearable microneedle BCI wireless sensor that seamlessly fits among hair follicles. The positioning on the skin and very tiny dimensions of this innovative wireless brain interface may provide numerous advantages compared to conventional gel or dry electrodes.
"I initiated this research with the primary aim of creating novel sensor technology to aid health care, building on my prior experience with brain-computer interfaces and flexible scalp electronics," stated Yeo, a faculty member at Georgia Tech's Institute for People and Technology. "I realized that we required improved BCI sensor technology and found that by slightly penetrating the skin while avoiding hair with a miniaturized sensor, we can significantly enhance signal quality by getting nearer to the signal sources and minimizing unwanted noise."
Courtesy of SynEvol
Credit: Georgia Tech
Current BCI systems include large electronics and inflexible sensors that hinder the interfaces from being practical when the user is moving during everyday tasks. Yeo and his team developed a micro-scale sensor for capturing neural signals that can be comfortably worn throughout daily routines, opening up new opportunities for BCI devices. His technology employs conductive polymer microneedles to capture electrical signals, transmitting these signals through flexible polyimide/copper wires—all contained within a space of less than 1 millimeter.
Research involving six individuals utilizing the device for managing an augmented reality (AR) video call revealed that high-quality neural signal acquisition lasted for as long as 12 hours, displaying minimal electrical resistance at the interface between skin and sensor. Participants had the ability to stand, walk, and run during the majority of daylight hours while the brain-computer interface effectively captured and categorized neural signals that showed which visual stimulus the user was concentrating on with an accuracy of 96.4%. During the evaluation, participants had the ability to access phone contacts and start or accept AR video calls without using their hands, as this new micro-sized brain sensor detected visual stimuli, allowing the user total freedom of movement.
Yeo indicates that the findings imply this wearable BCI system could facilitate functional and ongoing interface engagement, possibly resulting in the routine application of machine-human integrated technology.
"I strongly trust in the strength of teamwork, since numerous challenges we face today are too intricate for a single person to address," stated Yeo. "Thus, I want to convey my appreciation to all the researchers in my team and the fantastic collaborators who enabled this work to happen." I will keep working with the team to improve BCI technology for rehabilitation and prosthetics.
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