description
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ABC aims at increasing human capabilities by means of Brain/Neural Computer Interfaces (BNCI). The project will develop applications addressed primarily to persons with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy (DCP). Due to DCP particular conditions, BNCI-based systems present a huge potential for improving the quality life and promotiing independent living of this target group. In particular, the project outcomes will specifically focus on the augmentation of the capabilities related to communication, learning, social participation and control of devices.
The ABC system will be composed of four independent modules based on the latest advancements in BNCI signal processing, Affective Computing, Augmented Communication and Biosignal Monitoring. The reference European research institutions in each field will lead the R&D work.
DCP end-users and care professionals will be involved in R&D tasks from design to validation. To involve effectively persons with DCP into the design process, new user-centred design methods will be developed.
The project will deliver a functional prototype of the ABC system validated and working in out-of-lab contexts. Two industrial SMEs will also be involved all along the project in order to facilitate the transition from prototypes to commercial products and shorten the time-to-market of the ABC system.
The modular structure of the ABC system and the independence of its components will extend its exploitation potential beyond the initial DCP niche. Different combinations of the modules could be integrated into other assistive product niches such as for people with multiple sclerosis or quadriplegia. Moreover, the ABC modules (both combined or stand-alone) have the potential to become part of mainstream applications benefitting from the augmentation of human capabilities, such as gaming, e-learning, work safety or driving assistance among others.