The Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Research Lab in United-International University (UIU) is the first laboratory in Bangladesh with the sole focus on researching the connectivity between the human brain and machines. Inaugurated on 12 December 2021, this lab introduces new technology to create more opportunities in the biomedical and neuroscience research fields of Bangladesh.

While the subject of brain-computer interface can be difficult to explain, in the simplest terms, it is a method of communication in which the electrical signals in the brain can be tracked via a computer. Research involving brain-computer interface consists of decoding the brain's electrical activity and translating the output as decipherable commands.

UIU's BCI Lab aims to contribute to this ever-expansive branch of neuroscience research by introducing innovative technology with hopes of positively impacting the educational, medical and commercial sectors of Bangladesh. The projects of this lab attempt to tackle existing challenges in the fields of machine learning and neuroscience research.

BCI Research Lab currently has four ongoing projects:

FocusMind

An integrated BCI and neurofeedback-based learning method for students in Bangladesh

FocusMind is a BCI-based learning system that aims to improve the efficiency of concentration in classrooms. According to BCI Lab, in Bangladesh, around 47.6 million students between 10 to 24 years of age drop out from tertiary level education because of a lack of attention in classrooms. With the purpose of combating this alarming statistic, FocusMind provides a neurotech-based solution.

Using a headset that collects, filters and processes EEG data, FocusMind can calculate the engagement index of students to measure how attentive they are during a classroom lecture. In a classroom utilising this technology, the teacher and the students need to be wearing the FocusMind headsets, which will allow their brain waves to be synchronised. The headset will be digitally connected to a dashboard that will track individual records and performances of each student, so the teacher can further pinpoint inattention spans and adjust the classroom more to be more efficient.

The neuro and biofeedback will essentially quantify and compare how engaged the students are when listening to a lecture, taking a test or watching video lectures. BCI Lab plans to use the information provided from FocusMind to evaluate the collective performance of teachers and students in various classrooms to make more informed decisions on transforming the education sector of Bangladesh.

FocusMind is expected to be released on a small-scale by the end of the year.

Market Brain

Design and development of a neuromarketing system in Bangladesh

Labelled as the first-ever neuromarketing project in Bangladesh, Market Brain uses AI to dive deeper into our understanding of consumer choices, mainstream preferences and brand appeals.

Using a headset, the Market Brain AI can measure neural and physiological signs of a human brain to gain insight on the subconscious decisions that affect a consumer's choice in product purchase. The data derived from this finding can provide credible information on product development and pricing. Thus, Market Brain can be used by advertising agencies to receive more informed suggestions on how to cater to the mainstream while addressing consumer needs.

Market Brain operates by collecting neuro codes from a participant's mind when they are exposed to a specific advertisement. Using a machine to input EEG and eye tracking of the participant, the AI filters brain signals and classifies noticeable patterns via methods called feature extraction and selection. These patterns are delivered in the form of prediction algorithms that can be used to potentially increase consumer engagement and boost the efficiency of product marketing.

BCI Lab plans on commercially releasing Market Brain to advertising agencies by the end of the year.

Deep Depression

BCI based system for identifying depression through neural connectivity analysis

Mental ailments are always a tricky subject to tackle. While modern psychiatrists can pinpoint signs of depression and anxiety using questionnaires and assessment tasks, it is not yet possible to accurately extract information about a patient's mental condition. Using the cutting-edge 64-channel EEG device, BCI Lab's Deep Depression project aims to scientifically identify depression in the human mind.

The aforementioned EEG device works by acquiring and recording electrical signals in the brain, and then processing the data by removing different physiological and non-physiological aspects through feature selection and extraction. Afterwards, the device develops a supervised classification model, using machine learning algorithms, to identify patterns that might signify factors of depression in a person.

Because this research will take time to complete, BCI Lab aims to finalise this project within the next three to four years.

ConcentrateToday

A real-time brain-computer interface based neurofeedback system for enhancing sustained attention

In a similar vein to FocusMind, ConcentrateToday is another project by UIU's BCI Lab that focuses on researching and enhancing attentiveness in the human brain. However, instead of pinpointing the attention span of students in classrooms, this is a more generalised research that anybody can participate in.

Currently available on their website, ConcentrateToday is a public research project that involves the signing of a consent form. After agreeing, the participant will be asked to wear a headset that will scan their brain for EEG, measuring and recording electrical activity. The neurofeedback system of the headset will be able to detect the participant's concentration level and show results via a score and progress chart.

The project also involves brain training sessions. The participant will be taught simple techniques to increase their concentration level, and the end of each session will contain tips to increase that level further, based on what the headset has tracked. You can check out ConcentrateToday at: https://concentrate.today/#/