NeuroBCI: Empowering ALS patients through brain-computer interfaces

Imagine being able to communicate, operate a computer, or even control devices in your home, not with your hands or voice, but directly with your mind. For people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), who gradually lose the ability to move and speak, this is not science fiction but a real possibility. This is the vision behind NeuroBCI, a new project at the University of Malta that seeks to empower ALS patients through brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

NeuroBCI will allow individuals to interact with technology using their brain signals alone. By wearing an EEG headset, patients will be able to send commands without physical movement, opening up opportunities to compose messages, browse the internet, or control smart devices at home. More than a technological breakthrough, NeuroBCI represents a path to independence, dignity, and a voice when speech is no longer possible.

The project will be led by Prof. Tracey Camilleri, Director of the Centre for Biomedical Cybernetics, together with Prof. Kenneth Camilleri from the Department of Systems and Control Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering, and Prof. Chris Porter from the Department of Information Systems within the Faculty of ICT. NeuroBCI will commence in September and is funded through a grant of €255,000 by the Secretariat for Youth, Research and Innovation.

Testing will take place in collaboration with Dar Bjorn in Żebbuġ, where the team will evaluate the system’s usability, reliability, and most importantly, patients’ experiences. Their feedback will shape the final design, ensuring that the technology truly meets their needs.

Building on over 20 years of University research in brain-computer interfacing, NeuroBCI aims to translate cutting-edge science into practical solutions that directly improve quality of life.