Real-Time Mobile Robot Obstacles Detection and Avoidance Through EEG Signals

• Published in: Brain sciences Vol. 15; no. 4; p. 359
• Main Authors: Omer, Karameldeen, Ferracuti, Francesco, Freddi, Alessandro, Iarlori, Sabrina, Vella, Francesco, Monteriù, Andrea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 30.03.2025; MDPI
• Subjects: Accuracy; Adaptive technology; Algorithms; assistive robotic technologies; Automation; Biochips; Brain; Brain research; brain–computer interface (BCI); Classification; Computer applications; EEG; EEG-based human–robot interaction; Electroencephalography; Electronics in navigation; error-related potentials (ErrPs); Feedback; Implants; Paradigms; Prostheses; real-time obstacle detection; Robotics; Robotics industry; Robots; Sensors; Simulation; steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs); Wheelchairs; New Jersey; brain–computer interface (BCI); cognitive load in BCI systems; steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs); EEG-based human–robot interaction; assistive robotic technologies; real-time obstacle detection; active and passive BCI; error-related potentials (ErrPs); human feedback in robotics
• ISSN: 2076-3425; 2076-3425
• DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15040359

Background/Objectives: The study explores the integration of human feedback into the control loop of mobile robots for real-time obstacle detection and avoidance using EEG brain–computer interface (BCI) methods. The goal is to assess the possible paradigms applicable to the most current navigation system to enhance safety and interaction between humans and robots. Methods: The research explores passive and active brain–computer interface (BCI) technologies to enhance a wheelchair-mobile robot’s navigation. In the passive approach, error-related potentials (ErrPs), neural signals triggered when users comment or perceive errors, enable automatic correction of the robot navigation mistakes without direct input or command from the user. In contrast, the active approach leverages steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs), where users focus on flickering stimuli to control the robot’s movements directly. This study evaluates both paradigms to determine the most effective method for integrating human feedback into assistive robotic navigation. This study involves experimental setups where participants control a robot through a simulated environment, and their brain signals are recorded and analyzed to measure the system’s responsiveness and the user’s mental workload. Results: The results show that a passive BCI requires lower mental effort but suffers from lower engagement, with a classification accuracy of 72.9%, whereas an active BCI demands more cognitive effort but achieves 84.9% accuracy. Despite this, task achievement accuracy is higher in the passive method (e.g., 71% vs. 43% for subject S2) as a single correct ErrP classification enables autonomous obstacle avoidance, whereas SSVEP requires multiple accurate commands. Conclusions: This research highlights the trade-offs between accuracy, mental load, and engagement in BCI-based robot control. The findings support the development of more intuitive assistive robotics, particularly for disabled and elderly users.