Alberta funds work on brain-computer interface

EDMONTON – A new engineering research chair at the University of Alberta aims to provide children with mobility and communication challenges the ability to control assistive devices with their thoughts, through the advancement of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

Hossein Rouhani (pictured), an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been named the first Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital-University of Alberta Engineering Research Chair in Neurorehabilitation. The position funds research into BCI technology, which captures electrical signals created by specific thoughts, analyzes them using artificial intelligence and converts them into commands.

BCIs allow people with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury and other disorders to operate external devices such as wheelchairs or computers via a head cap with sensors. They’re also increasingly helping neurodiverse children, which will be the main focus for Rouhani’s team.

The family of 15-year-old Olivia Terry, who has a genetic neurological condition called Rett syndrome, hopes she can benefit from the advances. Using existing BCI technology at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Olivia can move her wheelchair and direct a roller ball to paint pictures. The goal is to get the technology to where it can read and transmit her more detailed thoughts, instead of her parents having to rely on interpreting her eye movements.

“With Rett syndrome, their eyes tell the tale,” said her father, Stephen Terry. “As her parents, we can tell when she’s upset or happy. The problem becomes figuring out what it is that’s bothering her. Is her toe sore, is she sick or does she need a drink of water?”

“We look forward to seeing the discoveries and possibilities that arise from this partnership that will benefit not just Glenrose patients, but others facing some of the most complex neurological conditions,” said Mark Korthuis, president and CEO of the Glenrose Hospital Foundation.

More information can be found here. Video of Olivia Terry using BCI technology supplied by Alberta Health Services can be found here. Included are pictures of Olivia supplied by the Terry Family.

For media support, please contact: Sarah Vernon, University of Alberta communications associate, svernon@ualberta.ca.