ETH researchers develop VR mental training

The ones at the ETH Zurich The MyFlow software developed by the company is designed to help us stay focussed. The software measures our brain's state of arousal and displays it graphically on a scale. If we are aware of our current state of arousal, we can learn to regulate it - towards the desired optimum.

ETH Pioneer Fellow Marc Bächinger is currently developing the software technologically. Psychologist and neuroscientist Sarah Meissner is responsible for the scientific validation. The two want to launch their product on the market with their own start-up in six months at the latest.

Eye tracking shows state of arousal

An initial pilot product uses the software on virtual reality glasses. When you put them on, a pointer on a kind of speedometer indicates the state of arousal. This is then controlled in virtual space using mental strategies.

MyFlow works amazingly simply: an eye tracker uses an infrared camera to read from our eyes, so to speak, whether we are in the mood for peak performance. The neurotransmitter noradrenaline is one of the substances responsible for the state of excitement in the brain. This is produced in a part of the brain stem, the locus coeruleus. Its activity, in turn, can be seen in our pupils. "If we are tense, stressed or even panicky, our pupils become larger," explains Bächinger. "If we become sleepy, on the other hand, it shrinks."

The potential of possible applications is huge: it ranges from training devices for athletes and medical therapies (e.g. stress) to a mobile phone app with relaxation exercises for everyday life.

In addition, it should be possible in future to receive real-time feedback on your own mental state via an app on your mobile phone, explains Bächinger. This is a technological challenge, but feasible.

The two researchers are planning their market launch with a mental training programme for athletes. With the help of their feedback, they want to refine the software so that it can soon be sold to the first customers. To this end, they have applied for a cross-sport pilot study at the National Sports Centre in Magglingen.

At the Industry Day at ETH on 8 September, interested parties from industry can try out MyFlow. A total of 80 researchers, entrepreneurs and students will present their work there.

Source: MM