Wireless Skin-Worn Device Interprets Brain Signals to Assess and Anticipate Mental Stress Levels
In the rapidly advancing world, mental well-being has emerged as a significant concern, with a rise in stress and demanding lifestyles affecting people's lives in numerous ways. A novel solution to this conundrum has been introduced by researchers, who have developed a temporary tattoo that can measure mental strain by monitoring brainwaves. This disruptive technology represents a lightweight, wireless alternative to the cumbersome headgear typically used.
The invention is described in a study published on May 29 in the Cell Press journal Device. The study puts forth a non-permanent wireless forehead e-tattoo, which can analyze brainwaves to assess mental strain without the need for bulky headgear. This technology could be instrumental in tracking the mental workload of professionals such as air traffic controllers and truck drivers, whose lapses in focus can potentially lead to severe consequences.
Nanshu Lu, the study's author from the University of Texas at Austin, explained, "Technology is evolving faster than human evolution. Our brain capacity cannot keep up and can easily get overloaded." According to Lu, the optimal mental workload for optimal performance varies from person to person.
Traditional mental workload assessment relies on the NASA Task Load Index, a comprehensive and subjective survey that participants complete after performing tasks. The e-tattoo, however, presents an objective alternative by examining electrical activity from the brain and eye movements, known as electroencephalography (EEG) and electrooculography (EOG). Unlike EEG caps, which are bulky, covered in wires, and coated with gel, the wireless e-tattoo consists of a lightweight battery pack and paper-thin, adhesive sensors. The sensors, which feature undulating loops and coils, effortlessly conform to the skin for comfort and clear signals.
Lu added, "What's surprising is that while caps, despite having more sensors for different regions of the brain, never obtain a perfect signal due to the varying head shapes of individuals. We measure participants' facial features to manufacture personalized e-tattoos to ensure that the sensors are always in the right position and capturing signals."
The researchers tested the e-tattoo on six participants, who undertook a memory challenge that gradually increased in difficulty. As mental load rose, participants showed heightened activity in theta and delta brainwaves, a sign of increased cognitive demand, while alpha and beta activity diminished, indicating mental fatigue. These findings suggest that the device can identify when the brain is struggling.
Not only could the device detect mental strain, but it could also forecast mental fatigue. The researchers trained a computer model to estimate mental workload based on signals from the e-tattoo, accurately distinguishing between different levels of mental workload. These results indicate that the device has the potential to predict mental fatigue.
The study published in the Cell Press journal Device introduces a novel solution for monitoring mental strain, a non-permanent wireless e-tattoo that analyzes brainwaves. This device could be beneficial for professionals, like air traffic controllers and truck drivers, who need to maintain optimal mental performance to avoid potential severe consequences. The technology, which captures signals from the brain and eye movements, offers an objective alternative to the traditional NASA Task Load Index and bulky EEG caps, providing comfort and clear signals. Furthermore, the device has the potential to predict mental fatigue, offering a solution for tackling the increasing concerns around mental well-being in our advancing world.
