The three scientists showed how a human brain using EEG signals can control movement of a mobile robot. The result was published at the IEEE Conference on Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society in New Orleans in 1988. The achievement was significantly ahead of its time. The second control of a robot using brain signals happened 11 years later, in 1999, at Duke University in North Carolina.
Today, many academic and industrial institutions use EEG controlled devices such as exoskeletons, wheelchairs, robots and other for the benefit of humanity.
To be designated as a IEEE Milestone, the achievement must be at least 25 years
old, so it can be properly evaluated. The IEEE Milestone is recognized by the IEEE History Committee and is approved by the IEEE Board of Directors. Once approved, a monument is placed by IEEE at the place of achievement. The plaque was unveiled by the IEEE president, Dr. Saifur Rahman. The monument remains in possession of IEEE in the U.S. but is managed by the local section of IEEE.
The qualitative scientific impact of the 1988 work includes:
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- The solution of a long-lasting challenge of engineering solution of psychokinesis.
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- Establishing a relationship between robotics and brain signals which were distant areas of research before 1988. 3. Using Machine Learning for the first time in brain-computer interface research.
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- Opening a new communication channel between humans and machines, a direct EEG communication.
This year, 2024, IEEE also honored Bozinovski with
the Life Member Individual Service Award by the organization’s Region 3 (southeastern U.S.), taking into account his IEEE Milestone recognition.
SC State is the only university in South and North Carolina where faculty members received a IEEE Milestone recognition.
Bozinovski noted that scientific achievements have a broad range.
“Entry level is receiving a grant, while a high-end level is receiving a Nobel Prizetype of scientific recognition,” he said. “In between are various indices like publications and citations. However, for a Nobel Prize-type of achievement, it counts a distinct and important pioneering work and the use for humanity.
“The IEEE Milestone type of evaluation uses similar to Nobel Prize-type of evaluation, emphasizing the pioneering importance of a scientific result,” Bozinovski said.
Bozinovska said she found it exciting to work as a medical doctor in a team with two computer scientists. Her previous knowledge in brain potentials and EEG contributed to the achievement and related the EEG research to robotics research.
The Department of Computer Science and Mathematics and the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences are units in SC State’s College of Science., Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Transportation (STEM-T). For more information about SC State’s STEM-T programs, visit www.scsu.edu/ academics.
