Designing Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Controlled Wheelchairs with End-User Needs in Mind: Insights from SCI Patient Perceptions
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) controlled wheelchairs have the potential to greatly improve the independence and quality of life of people with mobility impairments. However, their low uptake has been linked to a lack of understanding by researchers of the needs of end-users. A recent study aimed to explore the perceptions, needs, and expectations of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients regarding BCI-controlled wheelchairs.
The study used semi-structured interviews to gather information from participants. Topics discussed in the interview included paradigms, shared control, safety, robustness, channel selection, hardware, and experimental design. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, with analysis carried out using coding based on grounded theory principles.
The majority of participants expressed a positive view of BCI-controlled wheelchair technology and were willing to use it. However, concerns were raised regarding safety, cost, and aesthetics. Participants also expressed the need for more intuitive paradigms, as well as a stronger focus on obstacle avoidance and safety features in BCI wheelchairs. The development of control approaches that can be personalized for individual users may also be instrumental for the widespread adoption of these devices.
The results challenge the current reliance of researchers on the motor-imagery paradigm, which was found to be less intuitive for end-users than initially thought. Instead, end-users expressed a desire for highly intuitive paradigms. This highlights the importance of involving end-users in the design and development of BCI-controlled wheelchairs.
Furthermore, the study identified several avenues for future research. There needs to be a stronger focus on integrating obstacle avoidance and safety features in BCI wheelchairs. Additionally, customizable control options should be developed to cater to the needs of different individuals.
This study based on interviews with SCI patients highlights that BCI-controlled wheelchairs are a promising assistive technology that would be well-received by end-users. However, there needs to be a more person-centered design approach that takes into account the needs and expectations of end-users. This will help ensure wider uptake of BCI-controlled wheelchairs and improve the independence and quality of life of people with mobility impairments.
Implications for rehabilitation are clear. BCI-controlled wheelchairs are a promising assistive technology, and most participants in the study had positive views and were willing to try them out. However, it is crucial that safety, cost, and aesthetics concerns are addressed in the design and development of BCI-controlled wheelchairs. Customizable control options that cater to individual needs should also be integrated.
https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2023.2211602
Zen KOH
Executive Director, MotusAcademy
Incoming President, IISART
Co-Founder & Global CEO, Fourier Intelligence
Zen is a visionary and pioneering influencer in the field of MedTech and Robotics for Rehabilitation. He has been involved in several successful start-ups and businesses in Singapore, Switzerland, and China for over two decades, providing medical devices, healthcare solutions, and services for people with disabilities and neurological patients. He was nominated as one of the 40 under 40 most influential industry leaders in MedTech in 2012.
Zen holds multiple leadership roles, including the incoming president and ambassador of the International Industry Society for Advanced Rehabilitation Technology (IISART), General Chair for RehabWeek 2023, co-founder and Executive Director of the Swiss-based MotusAcademy Association, Managing Editor of the Journal of Rehabilitation Methods and Technologies (JRMT), and co-founder and Global CEO of Fourier Intelligence Group. Under his leadership, Fourier has raised over USD100 million, notably in 2022, from renowned investors such as Saudi Aramco Prosperity 7 venture and Softbank Vision Fund 2.