The development of a BCI prototype based on the integration between NeuroSky Mindwave Mobile EEG headset, Matlab software environment and Arduino Nano 33 IoT board for controlling the movement of an experimental motorcycle

Abstract

The brain-computer interface (BCI) is a scientific field recognized by its outstanding significance covering especially biomedical engineering issues to offer thought-controlled assistive devices for people suffering from neurological diseases causing them neuromotor disabilities. However, the major achievements of functional assistive mechatronic systems were obtained in laboratories aimed for experimentation and research studies by using high-performance equipment at the expense of higher costs, cumbersome working principle and solid experience across multidisciplinary areas. This paper proposes an original prototype of a simple brain-computer interface application based on the integration between NeuroSkyMindwave Mobile headset, the Matlab software environment and the Arduino Nano 33 IoT development board along with the necessary electronic components. The aim of the BCI application is the achievement of the control of anexperimentalmotorcycle by using multiple voluntary eye-blinks detected across the electroencephalographic signal. According to the current scientific literature, there is no evidence of a similar approach to develop a brain-computer interface assistive system providing both cognitive training and enjoyable feedback that can help the user to regain independence and self-esteem. The main contribution of this paper is consisting of the Matlab software implementation of an algorithm for counting multiple voluntary eye-blinks and its integration with the library of functions necessary for the acquisition of the EEG signal from NeuroSky headset and the functions required to send commands aimed to control the motorcycle based on the Arduino Nano 33 IoT development board.