Researchers used modified virtual reality technology to measure brain activity and analyze human responses to cues, stressors, and external stimuli in a study published in Soft Science.

The University of Texas at Austin developed a noninvasive EEG sensor for extended wear in a Meta VR headset, measuring brain electrical activity during immersive VR interactions.

The device's diverse applications include anxiety relief, pilot training focus, and firsthand robot perspective experience, enabling individuals to gauge mental strain and assess focus.

Nanshu Lu, a professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering's Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics who led the research said -

"Virtual reality is so much more immersive than just doing something on a big screen. It gives the user a more realistic experience, and our technology enables us to get better measurements of how the brain is reacting to that environment."

Impact of Modified Virtual Reality on the Brain

Commercial sphere integrates VR and EEG sensors, but high-cost devices offer enhanced user comfort, prolonged wear, and new applications. Researchers claim electrodes offer enhanced comfort.

Leading EEG devices use electrode-covered caps, posing compatibility challenges with VR headsets and requiring individual electrodes to obtain robust readings due to hair obstructing connections.

Widely used electrodes are inflexible and comb-like, requiring hair insertion for skin connection, causing discomfort and affecting user experience.

Hongbian Li, a research associate in Lu's lab said -

"All of these mainstream options have significant flaws that we tried to overcome with our system."

In pursuit of this project, the researchers developed a spongy electrode using soft, conductive materials to address these challenges. Li spearheaded this endeavor.

The modified headset features electrodes, conductive traces, and an EEG recording apparatus on the top strap and forehead pad, resembling Lu's electronic tattoos.

Potential of Virtual Reality

This technology is set to contribute to another significant research initiative at UT Austin—a novel robot delivery network, simultaneously serving as the most extensive investigation conducted thus far on human-robot interactions.

Lu is an integral participant in this project, and the VR headsets will find utility among individuals either accompanying robots during travel or situated in a distant "observatory." These individuals will gain the ability to view events from the robot's vantage point, while the device concurrently gauges the sustained mental effort involved in such prolonged observation.

Luis Sentis, a professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics who is co-leading the robot delivery project and is a co-author on the VR EEG paper said -

"If you can see through the eyes of the robot, it paints a clearer picture of how people are reacting to it and lets operators monitor their safety in case of potential accidents."

Researchers created a driving simulation using a VR EEG headset and expert José del R. Millán. The simulation prompts users to press a button to respond to turn commands, assessing the headset's feasibility.

The EEG monitors the brain activity of users as they navigate driving scenarios. It provides insights into the participants' level of attentiveness in this context.

The researchers have filed preliminary patent documents for the EEG and are actively looking for partnerships with VR businesses to directly incorporate the technology into their products.