As digitalisation and the complexity of digital systems advance, information overload, mental workload and stress become significant challenges. VTT's cognitive state estimation solutions provide objective and unobtrusive real-time assessments of cognitive states, empowering individuals to enhance their performance amidst these demands. This opens up significant opportunities across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, smart eyeware, defence and diagnostics.
Key facts
Cognitive state estimations enable real-time assessment of cognitive overload, acute stress and decreased vigilance/ alertness level, all of which can adversely affect human performance and elevate the risk of errors. This understanding is essential for enhancing future human-computer interactions.
VTT employs powerful sensors and advanced AI analytics to precisely interpret diverse cognitive states. We excel in creating customised pipelines and sensor configurations for unique use cases, utilising customisable algorithms that enable more reliable insights.
Our comprehensive, science-based cognitive state estimation solutions encompass the entire pipeline, creating significant opportunities across various sectors.
Enhancing human performance through cognitive state estimation
In today's fast-paced and information-saturated world, challenges like cognitive overload, acute stress and decreased alertness levels can adversely impact human performance and increase the likelihood of errors. As we deal with growing demands on our attention and mental capacity, our ability to process information often becomes a bottleneck, especially in human-computer interactions. Consequently, effective communication, decision-making and safety can be compromised.
Fortunately, advancements in biosensing technology are enabling precise cognitive state estimations. By accurately determining cognitive overload and stress levels, these estimations can facilitate timely interventions and adaptive control measures, ultimately enhancing human performance.
Harnessing powerful sensors and data analysis for diverse applications
Cognitive state estimation is the process of objectively identifying an individual's cognitive load or acute stress levels, among other things, by analysing biosignals. The method utilises rapid biosignals of a person during a task, enabling real-time insights into their cognitive state.
Thanks to recent advances in sensor technology, we can now discreetly measure biosignals from individuals in their everyday lives. Furthermore, advanced data analysis techniques, such as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), enable us to estimate and predict changes in a person's cognitive state.
These technological advancements open the door to a wide range of practical applications.
A key application of cognitive state estimation is in diagnostics support. In the future, smart eyeware could perform early diagnostics and help identify, for example, neurodegenerative diseases or attention deficit disorders.
In the defence sector, cognitive state estimation can enhance situational awareness by providing real-time insights into the conditions of individual soldiers as well as troops of various sizes in the field. By monitoring stress and fatigue levels, we can assess when soldiers may be at risk of making mistakes. Cognitive state estimation also plays a crucial role in non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, which can help soldiers maintain their vigilance in challenging conditions.
Cognitive state estimation can also enhance virtual therapy, particularly when it comes to exposure therapy. By measuring a patient's stress levels in real time during therapy sessions, therapists can adjust the intensity of the exposure to ensure it remains at an optimal level, making therapy more effective and tailored to individual needs.
VTT offers science-based cognitive state estimation solutions that span the entire pipeline
VTT provides comprehensive, science-based cognitive state estimation solutions that cover the entire pipeline. We excel in developing tailored pipelines and sensor configurations specifically designed for each unique use case. We have developed customisable algorithms that identify the relevant parameters from biosignals, enabling precise interpretation of different cognitive states. By tailoring our models and algorithms to specific applications, we ensure that our cognitive state estimations reflect the unique characteristics and behaviours of each individual, allowing for more reliable insights.
We can help you with:
Definition and specification of the sensors and computational requirements needed for your use case
Sensor fusion solutions that specify which sensors work well together in different environments
Multimodal measurements, both in the lab and in field conditions
Combining measured data with your own data for analytics, algorithm development and AI/ML solutions
Feasibility studies and proof-of-concepts
Why VTT?
Partnering with VTT allows you to leverage over two decades of scientific research and expertise in cognitive state estimation and eye movement studies. Our deep understanding of psychophysiological phenomena, coupled with our advanced know-how in algorithms and machine learning, enables us to deliver precise cognitive state estimation solutions. With strong knowledge of different application areas, VTT is uniquely positioned to help you achieve your goals through effective, science-based solutions.
Some questions we can help you with
How can we measure cognitive state in a real-life environment and in real time?
What types of sensors should we incorporate into our operating environment components, such as headsets, for effective cognitive state sensing?
How can we optimise our training/therapy?
Is our concept for cognitive state estimation (e.g. sensing solutions) technically feasible?
Contact us here!
Related projects
In the STRESS Academy project, VTT develops innovative sensors, such as a plaster-like sweat rate sensor and an optical sensor, for measuring metabolites in saliva. By combining these sensors with machine learning classifiers, we aim to enhance understanding of stress dynamics and create a valuable open dataset for further research.
In the AWARE project, we enhance human capabilities by utilising assistive AI that understands the user’s cognition and tasks, decoding signals from wearable sensors, headsets and cameras to provide insights into the user’s psychological state, cognitive state and surrounding context.
The EYES project (2020-2024) explored the potential of wearable technologies, particularly intelligent glasses and smart eyewear, for unobtrusively monitoring human physiology and behaviour outside of laboratory settings. By utilising these devices along with advanced data analysis techniques, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, we were able to estimate and predict cognitive states in real time based on nonconscious behaviours and bio-signals.
How to work with us
We are happy to collaborate with you throughout the entire journey, from the initial idea to implementation, or anywhere in between. We customise the project to suit your specific needs. Following an initial assessment, we can offer you a range of options, including the following:
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Customised partnership
Every research case is unique, and we’re happy to tailor our services to your needs. We’ll take you from idea to prototype without hassle.
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Cooperative project
We frequently participate in research and development projects with multiple business partners and funding agencies. In cooperative projects the risk is split between multiple organisations, and everyone benefits from the results.
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Our networks and ecosystems at your disposal
We are happy to put you in touch with the ideal sparring and development partner.
