Background

Human-machine interaction is highly valued for its use in controlling life-like prosthetics, unobtrusively reading electrophysiological signals (e.g., ECG, EMG, etc.), and virtual reality applications. The gold standard for human-machine interactions is Neural-Machine Interface (NMI). A NMI allows the machine to interact directly with human brain signals.

Unfortunately, current NMI methods are imperfect. The primary method on the market is a conductive gel assisted electrode. This gel causes skin irritation, does not allow for any air flow to the skin, and dries out quickly. Further, current market solutions are not stretchable or compressible, and tend to be bulkier than desired. These problems combine to make current NMI methods unsuited to multi-hour or multi-day usage.

Thus, there is a great need for a NMI method that improves upon these issues.

Technology Overview

NC State researchers have developed a novel NMI electrode that does not need conductive gel, is stretchable and compressible, and is very low bulk. The electrode is constructed using a 3D sacrificial template to form a porous and sponge-like 3D AgNW architecture.

The AgNW structure is highly resilient to compression and stretching due to its sponge-like design. It also conducts at a level sufficient for use directly on the human skin as an NMI without the need for any conductive gel. Further, the porous nature of the 3D structure allows for airflow, which greatly reduces skin irritation and sweat buildup below the sensor.

Together, these advancements make the electrode the only NMI capable electrode well suited for multi-hour or multi-day NMI usage. Additionally, the gel free and robust nature of this electrode makes it re-usable, thus reducing the overall cost of use.

This innovation has been well developed and validated. NCSU is seeking an industry partner to take this into the manufacturing and deployment stage.

Further Details

Yao, S., Zhou, W., Hinson, R., Dong, P., Wu, S., Ives, J., Hu, X., Huang, H., Zhu, Y., Ultrasoft Porous 3D Conductive Dry Electrodes for Electrophysiological Sensing and Myoelectric Control. Adv. Mater. Technol. 2022, 7, 2101637. https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202101637

Benefits

Gel Free NMI capability.
Breathable NMI capability.
Non-skin irritating NMI capability.
Stretchable NMI device.
Improved Human – Machine interfacing.
Robust and durable NMI device.

Applications

Controlling lifelike prosthetics.
Interfacing with virtual reality simulations.
Non-intrusive ECG and EMG scanning.
Multi-hour or Multi-day NMI usage.

Breathable, Stretchable, Gel-Free Neural-Machine Interface Device