Novel applications of BCI technology: Psychophysiological optimization of working conditions in industry

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) research advanced for more than forty years, providing a rich variety of sophisticated data analysis methods. Yet, most BCI studies have been restricted to the laboratory with controlled and undisturbed environment. BCI research was aiming at developing tools for communication and control. Recently, BCI research has broadened to explore novel applications for improved man-machine interaction. In the present study, we investigated the option to employ neurotechnology in an industrial environment for the psychophysiological optimization of working conditions in such settings. Our findings suggest that it is possible to use BCI-related analysis techniques to qualify responses of an operator by assessing the depth of cognitive processing on the basis of neuronal correlates of behaviourally relevant measures. This could lead to assistive technologies helping to avoid accidents in working environments by designing a collaborative workspace in which the environment takes into account the actual cognitive mental state of the operator.