Research at the University of Bath is developing innovative technology to improve lives. Our Institute for the Augmented Human, a multi-disciplinary community of researchers, policy makers and entrepreneurs, is delivering cutting-edge projects and showing how machines can have a wide-reaching impact on society and individuals.
Our expertise in robotics, engineering, computer science, health, neuroscience and psychology has led to the development and deployment of human augmentation which promises to improve health and wellbeing for millions.
Developing brain-computer interfaces
University research has developed a brain-computer interface that, in the future, may enable a person of tetraplegia or locked-in syndrome to autonomously steer a wheelchair, control a robotic manipulator or use a smartphone.
The high-precision neuro technology could go on to improve the autonomy and social participation of people with severe physical disabilities.
In 2024, the research reached a significant milestone when it was crowned winner at the annual international CYBATHLON Challenge, a competition where cybathletes race against each other in computer game-like challenges using brainwaves alone.
Improving early diagnosis of dementia
Research at the University has created a passive, completely non-invasive test which can improve early detection for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The test, ‘Fastball’, measures patients’ brain waves whilst they watch a series of flashing images displayed on a screen. Developed in-house by University researchers, the technology requires users to wear an electroencephalogram (EEG) headset, which is linked to a computer for analysis.
Tests have shown Fastball to be highly effective at picking up small, subtle changes in brain waves. As this response changes during the onset of dementia, the research offers hope as a breakthrough for early diagnosis. By testing more people earlier and more regularly, the team believes it could help lower the age of diagnosis by up to five years in the short-term and by more in the future.
Allowing people with neurological conditions to communicate using a hidden ear muscle
Earswitch is a revolutionary assistive technology developed with a team of researchers that allows people to communicate by tensing a tiny muscle in the inner ear. The device, attached to the tensor tympani muscle, is linked to an assistive keyboard. Current existing assistive devices can become unusable as neurological conditions such as MND worsen over time, and it’s hoped that Earswitch could offer a breakthrough for individuals with severe communications restrictions.