A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has developed a new forehead-mounted electronic tattoo that can monitor brain signals and eye movements to gauge mental strain. The device is wireless, ultrathin, and wearable, making it suitable for high-stakes tasks like those required by pilots, surgeons, and military personnel.
The technology uses electroencephalography (EEG) and electrooculography (EOG) to capture brainwave activity and eye movement, which are key markers of cognitive workload. The device can distinguish between moments of mental ease and strain, making it a potential tool for adjusting task assignments, reallocating personnel, or triggering alerts when someone’s cognitive burden reaches a critical threshold.
The new wearable builds on previous work by the same team to refine “electronic tattoos” that can track various physiological signals without bulky hardware. The forehead device overcomes challenges like motion-resistant electrodes and detecting subtle brain activity, using a postage-stamp-sized patch that sits above and between the eyebrows.
In lab tests, the device reliably distinguished between mental ease and strain, even when participants moved their heads or blinked. However, true field-readiness requires further validation, particularly during activities with unpredictable motion.
The technology has potential for use in various settings, including operating rooms and cockpits. While it may not be fashionable, its benefits could outweigh any aesthetic drawbacks, making it a valuable tool for keeping workers sharp and safe on the job.
Source: https://spectrum.ieee.org/electronic-tattoo