BrainApp is a novel project which implemented a Brain Computer Interface (BCI) system to control a motorised bed application using brain signals directly. This system can provide users who have limited fine motor skills, the ability to be more independent and an improved quality of life. An innovation which gives an alternative means of control to those who need aid with touch screens and other standard interfaces such as remote controls.

The innovation funded through the Malta Council for Science and  Technology (MCST) Development Programme, with circa EUR 200,000, allowed a team of engineers at the University of Malta and a local software company 88 to develop the BrainApp platform. 

During a public engagement event which was held at the Esplora Planetarium, at Esplora Interactive Science Centre, Kalkara, the Honourable Owen Bonnici, Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation said “Such consortia between the public and the private sectors are fundamental for the realization of research projects that can give rise to new, innovative solutions to everyday challenges that can be of benefit to society as a whole. Today, not only are we witnessing the realization of another excellent research project, but we are also witnessing the steady growth of local research, the hard work and commitment of our Maltese researchers and private industry to keep up their efforts in creating a strong ecosystem of innovation together.”

Through visual stimuli appearing on computerised devices, such as screens, the user can select from a set of bed-control functions. The system continuously records the user’s brain activity, processes them to determine which stimulus was required by the user, and activates the corresponding bed function.

The team behind BrainApp addressed various practical issues in the field of Brain Computer Interface systems, used to control external devices. Specifically, the team eliminated the typical requirement of a preliminary training session to record subject specific data before using the BCI, and instead developed a framework to record this while the user is already using the system. This provides a more practical solution and a richer user experience.

The Chairman of the Malta Council for Science and Technology, Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando said that: “This morning we had the chance to appreciate the exceptional accomplishments of this group of skilful innovators, engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs who broke new ground in the field of brain-computer interfaces. We had the privilege to get a better understanding of the impact of the BrainApp prototype, a system based on brain signals, which could become a new communication channel of the future.”

Dr Pullicino added “I would like to applaud the beneficiaries of this project, the Department of Systems and Control Engineering, the Centre for Biomedical Cybernetics at the University of Malta, and the Maltese industrial partner 88, for their contribution to capacity building within the ICT sector.”

Dr Tracey Camilleri, project coordinator of the BrainApp project, said: "The team working on this project have made it possible for an individual to control a motorised bed using brain signals directly, giving individuals with limited fine motor skills an alternative way of controlling devices around them. The work is an advancement in the field of biomedical engineering as it addressed practical issues in the development of brain-computer interface systems."

Local and international stakeholders attended the event who followed technical presentations by the project researchers, engineers and manufacturer. A panel discussion moderated by an Esplora Science Communicator followed. 

Watch the event which was livestreamed.