The Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset: an inexpensive method of controlling assistive technologies using facial expressions and thoughts?

Purpose - The EPOC neuroheadset is a commercially available device that allows game players to control a computer using their facial expressions or their thoughts. This paper aims to examine whether it has the potential to be used as an input for assistive technology (AT) devices. Design/methodology/approach - Two experiments were conducted. In the first, 12 non-impaired subjects used the neuroheadset to control a computer with their facial expressions. They also used a simple system of two head switches for comparison. In the second experiment, three non-impaired subjects were trained to use the neuroheadset to control a computer with their thoughts. Findings - In the first experiment, the neuroheadset was slower and less accurate than the head switches (p<0.05), and was also harder to use. It is unlikely to be preferred to existing methods of accessing AT for those that retain a small amount of head movement. In the second experiment, by the end of the week, all three subjects achieved accuracy rates greater than chance. Research limitations/implications - All subjects were non- impaired, and the sample size in the second experiment was small. Further research should concentrate on the second experiment, using larger sample sizes and impaired subjects. Practical implications - The EPOCneuroheadset is substantially cheaper than similar specialist devices, and has the potential to allow those with no voluntary muscle control to access AT with their thoughts. Originality/value - The results of these two experiments show that the Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset can be used as an interface for non- impaired users to transfer information to a computer, which could in turn be used to control AT.