The Institute of Living Systems of the Baltic Federal University named after Kant has recently completed work on a neurodevice called Balalaika, designed to record various electrophysiological parameters. For the first time in one device, developed from scratch in Russia, electroencephalography, electromyography (measurement of electrical activity of muscle fibers), electrooculography (measurement of biopotentials during eye movement), photoplethysmography (registration of blood flow) and registration of surface temperature are combined in order to create a brain-computer interface for transmission control signals to a mechanical device (exoskeleton, wheelchair, computer game).
The developers have borrowed the name for the device from the cycle of novels "Enclaves" by science fiction writer Vadim Panov. His works describe the near future in which nano- and digital technologies flourish. The earth is inhabited by cyborgs. Almost everyone has a special chip implanted in the back of the head, which gives its owner new abilities. This triangular chip is called "Balalaika". It can be loaded with many programs that make life easier - from all possible dictionaries to travel guides to cities and museums.
Demonstration of control of the robotic arm "Balalaika" using an EMG signal. Press service of the IKBFU Kant.
According to the project manager, deputy director of the institute Natalya Shusharina, there are many fans of Panov's work among the developers, but, unlike the fantastic device he invented, the real device assembled at the Institute of Living Systems does not have a triangular shape. “The word balalaika,” she says, “is sonorous and memorable, and our device has the same relation to a musical instrument as Apple products to apples. But, we hope, the name will give us the opportunity to be easily recognizable in the global market."
It should be noted that the "Balalaika" is not the first such device developed at the Institute of Living Systems, but this one, according to scientists, differs from the previous ones in about the same way as the IPhone of the latest model - from a push-button cell phone.
With the help of the Balalaika neurodevice, one can play computer games without the aid of hands, control a wheelchair or an exoskeleton. If a person does not feel well and cannot go to the clinic to take electrical indicators, he can independently do this at home, then sending the results to the doctor.
“Now our specialists, among whom it is necessary to name first of all the chief engineer of Balalaika, Danil Borchevkin, are working on the avatar,” says Maxim Patrushev, director of the Institute of Living Systems. - This is what we call a device that is controlled from afar. Relatively speaking, we raised our hand, and the robot standing in the distance also raised its hand.
"So far, participating in various exhibitions and competitions, we have never seen another completely Russian neurodevice, created from scratch, like ours," Patrushev continues. - Of course, there are companies that, for example, use an American control element and a German cap with electrodes. But so that it was entirely domestic development - we have not yet encountered such a thing."
Promotional video:
Cap with electrodes for EEG registration / Press Service of the IKBFU Kant
The results obtained by the IKBFU scientists allow us to conclude that the combined use of EEG, EOG and EMG signals improves the accuracy of interpretation of planned and real physical activity. EEG signals independent of muscle work are an additional identifier that can be used in robotic technology. It is assumed that the refinement of the system and the simultaneous use of different physiological signals will make it possible to bring the accuracy of classification and error-free control of devices through the power of thought to 100 percent.
This will undoubtedly create competitive advantages over foreign developments and open up new opportunities for the domestic market of devices for the rehabilitation of people with diseases of the motor system.
IKBFU is a participant of the state program of support of the largest Russian universities "Project 5-100", which was launched by the Ministry of Education and Science in accordance with the presidential decree "On measures to implement state policy in education and science" to ensure a qualitative breakthrough to improve competitiveness leading Russian universities.
