AI-Driven Headgear Enhances Focus at Home with Personalized Neurostimulation

Researchers from the University of Surrey, in collaboration with the University of Oxford and Cognitive Neurotechnology, have developed an innovative AI-powered headgear designed to safely boost concentration levels from the comfort of home. This cutting-edge system utilizes personalized brain stimulation, tailored to individual traits such as attention span and head size, to improve focus during demanding mental tasks like studying or working.

The technology employs transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), a gentle and painless electrical stimulation method, combined with a sophisticated AI algorithm that adapts stimulation parameters based on real-time data. This personalized approach distinguishes it from traditional methods, as it maximizes efficacy without requiring expensive scans such as MRIs, making the technology more accessible and scalable.

The system was trained using data from 103 participants aged 18 to 35, who completed multiple home-based sessions with headgear compliant with European Union standards and used a tablet for sustained attention tasks. Its effectiveness was subsequently tested in a double-blind trial with 37 new users. Results demonstrated significant improvements in focus, especially among participants who initially had lower attention levels.

Professor Roi Cohen Kadosh emphasized the potential of this technology, stating that it offers a safe, effective, and accessible way to enhance cognitive performance. He highlighted its applications in education, training, and clinical settings, underscoring the role of AI and wearable neurotechnology in personalized cognitive enhancement.

Importantly, the study reported no serious side effects, and sensations during stimulation were comparable to placebo conditions. The AI also prevented stimulation levels that could impair performance, addressing a key limitation of previous non-personalized approaches.

Published in npj Digital Medicine, this research paves the way for new possibilities in cognitive augmentation, helping individuals improve focus and learning capabilities using user-friendly, at-home neurotechnology.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-ai-powered-headgear-sharper-focus.html