Neuroergonomic Analysis of a Brain-Computer Interface Device (BCI)

This study evaluates the mental workload and user experience associated with a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) device called Exobots. The Exobots system uses a non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG) headset to detect neural signals and control a robotic glove that assists hand movement. The primary goal is to assess how three different system sensitivity levels (low, medium, high) impact mental effort, usability, and overall user perception. Healthy adult volunteers (students and staff from IFPR and UFPR) will participate in a single experimental session. During the session, they will perform a repeated mental imagery task (imagine hand movement) while the EEG records their brain activity. After each sensitivity block, participants will complete standardized questionnaires (NASA Task Load Index and User Experience Questionnaire) and a semi-structured qualitative interview about their experience. By combining objective neurophysiological data with subjective feedback, this research aims to identify optimal sensitivity thresholds that minimize cognitive strain and maximize user comfort. The findings are expected to provide technical recommendations for designing more adaptive, user-centered BCI systems for future neurorehabilitation applications.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Technical-level students, undergraduate students, graduate students, and staff members, of both sexes, healthy, affiliated with the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) or the Federal Institute of Paraná (IFPR). 2. Age 18 years or older. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Use of psychoactive medications. 2. History of epilepsy or other neurological conditions that would preclude the use of the device. 3. Severe motor limitations that prevent interaction with the device. 4. Recent traumatic brain injuries. 5. Injury, dermatitis, or open wound on the scalp. 6. Excessive consumption of stimulant substances within the last 4 hours. 7. Sleep deprivation (less than 5 hours of sleep the previous night) or extreme sleepiness on the day of data collection.