Scientists have made a groundbreaking advancement in wearable technology with the creation of an ‘e-tattoo’ designed to monitor mental workload in high-stress jobs. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have developed this non-invasive device, which utilizes electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrooculogram (EOG) techniques to measure brain activity and cognitive performance. The e-tattoo, which is temporarily affixed to the forehead, offers a more cost-effective and compact solution compared to existing EEG and EOG machines, which are often bulky and expensive. This innovation could significantly benefit professionals in high-pressure environments, such as pilots, air traffic controllers, ER doctors, and emergency dispatchers, by providing real-time mental workload tracking.
Dr. Nanshu Lu, the senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of mental workload in fields like human-machine interaction and ergonomics. According to her, the device is motivated by high-demand, high-stake jobs such as pilots, air traffic controllers, doctors, and emergency dispatchers. Lu also noted that ER doctors and robot/drone operators can benefit from this technology for training and performance enhancements. One of the goals of the study was to find a way to measure cognitive fatigue in high-leverage and mentally straining careers. The e-tattoo is temporarily attached to the subject’s forehead and is smaller than current devices in use today. The device works by using EEG and EOG to measure both brain waves and eye movements. While most EEG and EOG machines are bulky and expensive, the e-tattoo offers a compact and cost-effective solution.
According to the study, the device is described as a wireless forehead EEG and EOG sensor designed to be as thin and conformable to the skin as a temporary tattoo sticker. The researchers conducted the study with six participants who were shown a screen on which 20 letters flashed up, one at a time, at various locations. Participants were asked to click a mouse if either the letter itself or its location matched one shown a given number of letters. Each participant carried out the task multiple times, corresponding to four levels of difficulty. The team found that as the tasks became harder, the different types of brainwaves detected showed shifts in activity that corresponded to a higher mental workload response.
The device consists of a battery pack and reusable chips with a disposable sensor. Lu stated that the device is currently a lab prototype, and before it can be ready for commercialization, it will need more development, such as real-time, on-tattoo mental workload decoding and validation on more people and in more realistic environments. The prototype currently costs $200. Dr. Nanshu Lu, the senior author of the research from the University of Texas at Austin, wrote that mental workload is a critical factor in human-in-the-loop systems, directly influencing cognitive performance and decision-making. This innovative e-tattoo is a promising development in the field of wearable technology, offering new possibilities for monitoring mental workload and enhancing human performance in critical roles.