Fairfax County students at Chantilly High School have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to create a groundbreaking algorithm for classifying brain signals. Inspired by a chance encounter with a man in a wheelchair, student Gautham Ramachandran was motivated to find a way to use technology to empower individuals like him. Along with his classmate Sriram Nalini, they developed an AI algorithm that could analyze electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to control prosthetics.
The duo recognized the limitations of existing technology, such as invasive implants or complex EEG headsets, and set out to streamline the process. Their innovative algorithm, designed to work with just a few electrodes, significantly improved the accuracy of classifying movements. While previous methods had an accuracy rate of around 98%, the new algorithm achieved a groundbreaking 100% accuracy.
Ramachandran and Nalini’s research paper detailing their findings highlights the potential of their technology to provide a cost-effective solution for prosthetics. By allowing individuals to control prosthetics or devices using their brain signals, their work represents a significant step forward in the field of assistive technology. The impact of their innovation could revolutionize the way individuals with mobility impairments interact with the world around them, providing a sense of autonomy and empowerment.
