Real-Time Home Automation System Using BCI Technology

A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) processes and converts brain signals to provide commands to output devices to carry out certain tasks. The main purpose of BCIs is to replace or restore the missing or damaged functions of disabled people, including in neuromuscular disorders like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord injury. Hence, a BCI does not use neuromuscular output pathways; it bypasses traditional neuromuscular pathways by directly interpreting brain signals to command devices. Scientists have used several techniques like electroencephalography (EEG) and intracortical and electrocorticographic (ECoG) techniques to collect brain signals that are used to control robotic arms, prosthetics, wheelchairs, and several other devices. A non-invasive method of EEG is used for collecting and monitoring the signals of the brain. Implementing EEG-based BCI technology in home automation systems may facilitate a wide range of tasks for people with disabilities. It is important to assist and empower individuals with paralysis to engage with existing home automation systems and gadgets in this particular situation. This paper proposes a home security system to control a door and a light using an EEG-based BCI. The system prototype consists of the EMOTIV Insight™ headset, Raspberry Pi 4, a servo motor to open/close the door, and an LED. The system can be very helpful for disabled people, including arm amputees who cannot close or open doors or use a remote control to turn on or turn off lights. The system includes an application made in Flutter to receive notifications on a smartphone related to the status of the door and the LEDs. The disabled person can control the door as well as the LED using his/her brain signals detected by the EMOTIV Insight™ headset.