Abstract:

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) techniques have advanced to a level where it is now eliminating the need for hand-based activation. This paper presents a novel attempt to remotely control an animal’s behavior by human BCI using a hybrid of Event Related Desynchronization (ERD) and Steady-State Visually Evoked Potential (SSVEP) BCI protocols. The turtle was chosen as the target animal, and we developed a head-mounted display, wireless communication, and a specially designed stimulation device for the turtle. These devices could evoke the turtle’s instinctive escape behavior to guide its moving path, and turtles were remotely controlled in both indoor and outdoor environments. The system architecture and design were presented. To demon-strate the feasibility of the system, experimental tests were performed under various conditions. Our system could act as a framework for future human-animal interaction systems.

Key words: brain-computer interface, turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans), remote navigation, instinct behaviour, escape be-havior