What it does
5th Brain captures brain and muscle signals via sensors on head and neck, enabling real-time, hands-free interaction with devices—without relying on spinal input or physical controls.
Your inspiration
The project was inspired by the goal of greater inclusion in everyday life. It uses natural head-based signals such as eye, jaw or neck activity that work independently of the spinal cord, making it accessible to people with and without physical impairments. When spinal signals are disrupted, head-based input offers a reliable alternative. Input from medical experts and users emphasized the need for intuitive, elegant and user-friendly interfaces without cables or clinical aesthetics, directly influencing the final design.
How it works
The device captures signals from the visual cortex using EEG and from the jaw and neck muscles using EMG. It also monitors oxygen saturation through a pulse oximeter placed on the temporal artery and tracks body temperature with a thermistor. Flexible electrodes rest on the scalp, and the system includes a low-energy Bluetooth module for data transmission, a gyroscope for detecting motion, and a microprocessor that processes all signals in real time. User interaction takes place wirelessly, automatically and without the need for physical buttons.
Design process
Initially, market research and expert interviews were conducted. This led to clear requirements: the system had to be wireless, non-invasive, suitable for daily use, intuitive to operate and visually appealing. Based on these criteria, more than 14 prototypes were developed, tested and continuously improved. Sensor placement was anatomically optimized, the technology was designed to be modular, and the overall form was inspired by natural structures such as the cervical spine. Practical tests in everyday activities including driving and cooking helped ensure ease of use and comfort.
How it is different
The "5th Brain" stands out by integrating diverse physiological and neurological data for both personal development and environmental interaction. Unlike other neurointerfaces, it optimizes functionality and user experience by capturing a variety of data streams. Captured data and its benefits - Brainwave phases (EEG data): Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, Gamma waves enhance learning and concentration, and help detect neurological disorders early. - EEG Artifacts: Eye closure can control devices: turning on/off, adjusting temperature, or controlling TV. - EMG data: Neck movements control environmental factors like household devices and smart systems. - Oxygen saturation and temperature: Monitor physical condition and stress/activity levels. - Safety: Fatigue detection for drivers, pulling over safely and contacting emergency services. - Barrier-free control: People with motor disabilities can control devices via brainwaves or neck movements.
Future plans
The next step is to refine the system for everyday use and expand real-world testing. This includes testing in various conditions such as movement, heat and stress, as well as in environments like smart homes and clinical settings. The aim is to ensure reliability, comfort and intuitive functionality in daily life. In the long term, an open interface for third-party applications is planned to enable new use cases ranging from inclusive control to neuroprevention in everyday routines.
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