Neurotechnology will assist in selecting specialists for work in the Arctic.

A team of researchers from RTU MIREA has developed a methodology to assess the suitability of candidates for work in the Arctic region using a neurocomputer interface. This approach is based on a neurointerface that operates using electroencephalography. Implementing such an interface in Arctic expeditions will enable the monitoring of participants' cognitive states and emotions, as well as evaluate their psychophysiological adaptation to the harsh northern conditions.

2024-12-17 10:01:46https://naked-science.ru/article/column/nejrotehnologii-pomogut

The concept was developed by Andrey Rybniko, a lecturer at the Department of Instrumental and Applied Software of the Institute of Information Technologies at RTU MIREA. His system is based on the use of a neurointerface that employs electroencephalography to record and analyze the brain's electrical activity. The project was presented in December at the II International Scientific and Practical Conference "Youth Science of the North."

The Arctic is one of the harshest natural environments, where humans face unique challenges: extreme cold, limited resources, and social isolation. In these conditions, expedition participants, climbers, rescuers, and shift workers must maintain performance, concentration, and resilience to stress, as mistakes in the Arctic can have catastrophic consequences.

In 2025, the Student Expedition Corps "Arctic Team" plans to implement advanced neurocomputer interfaces (NCI) to monitor the participants of their expeditions. These technologies will be used in seasonal research, enhancing the safety, efficiency, and comfort of expedition members in the planet's most challenging conditions.

What are neurocomputer interfaces and how do they work?

Neurocomputer interfaces are systems that record brain activity and convert it into useful data. The main stages of NCI operation include:

Data collection. Electroencephalographic sensors (EEG) capture brain signals. This allows tracking of cognitive states, levels of fatigue, stress, and even attention.

Data processing. Artificial intelligence analyzes the obtained signals, highlighting key patterns that indicate current cognitive or physiological deviations.

Output of recommendations. The system can suggest, for example, that a participant needs rest, hydration, or a reduction in workload.

Why are neurocomputer interfaces important for the Arctic?

For the participants of the "Arctic Team" expeditions, NCI technology will become a revolutionary tool that enables real-time monitoring of physical and emotional states. The application of NCI will be particularly beneficial in the following aspects:

Cognitive state monitoring. NCIs detect decreases in attention and concentration, which often occur in conditions of isolation and monotonous work.

Detection of fatigue and stress. In low temperatures and polar nights, expedition participants often face accumulated fatigue and stress. NCI systems will help signal the need for rest in a timely manner.

Health support. The combination of NCI and physiological sensors (for example, to measure blood oxygen levels) will provide a complete picture of a person's condition.

Plan for implementing NCI in expeditions

The 2025 season will be crucial for the pilot application of technologies in field conditions. The "Arctic Team" intends to integrate NCI into the daily monitoring structure of expedition participants. The main stages of the system's operation include:

Monitoring sessions. Specially developed protocols will allow expedition participants to undergo tests multiple times a day.

Automatic analysis. Data collected from the sensors will be processed by a mobile system that integrates NCI with physiological, psychological, and cognitive parameters.

Recommendations generation. The system will suggest specific actions: rest, cognitive exercises, or changes in work schedules.

This structure will not only enable monitoring of each participant's condition but also allow for prompt adjustments to the team's work schedule to maintain its efficiency.

The future of neurocomputer interfaces: expanding applications

The use of NCI in "Arctic Team" expeditions will just be the beginning. In the future, these technologies can be adapted for other professions and tasks related to extreme conditions:

For climbers. Monitoring cognitive states during ascents in hypoxic conditions.

For rescuers. Rapid assessment of stress and fatigue before conducting search and rescue operations.

For shift workers. Improving adaptation to long-term work in isolation and harsh climatic conditions.

By 2035, it can be expected that such systems will become part of the work of specialists, allowing for the minimization of human errors and enhancing safety in any extreme conditions.