EEG-signals based control strategy for prosthetic drive systems

Brain-computer interfaces can be used in disabled people to accelerate recovery and improve interaction ability with the surrounding environment, helping them to achieve a better quality of life. The system proposed in this paper integrates a motion control strategy for a prosthetic arm, based on the acquisition and processing of EEG signals provided by a commercial 16-electrode headset. The acquired EEG signals are processed and converted into “focus” and “meditation” mind-state levels, that will be used to control the movements of a motor-driven prosthetic arm. It was experimentally verified that, after a short training period, this system provides a reliable EEG-based movement control solution for a “mind-controlled” prosthetic arm with one degree of freedom.