Award

The project directly addresses the critical needs of AFSOC and the 194th Air Support Operations Group by providing a comprehensive solution to improve warfighter readiness through persistent cognitive performance monitoring and analysis. Leveraging Neurable’s existing EEG-integrated over-the-ear headphones – the commercial MW75 Neuro headphones, and the first-of-its-kind Defense-focused EEG-embedded hearing protection system Ops-Core AMP Neuro – we aim to adapt the product to suit DAF’s customer needs by developing algorithms to monitor cognitive biomarkers specific to soldier readiness, such as attention, stress, cognitive load, mental fatigue, reaction-time, and the absence or presence of cognitive impairments like mTBI. These algorithms – combined with the Ops-Core AMP Neuro’s novel capability to provide a continuous stream of EEG data during on-duty situations, supplemented by MW75 Neuro’s capability to provide a continuous stream of EEG data in off-duty settings – will serve as the basis to develop a “BrainOS”, a persistent readiness monitoring system suitable for use by our DAF customers. Additionally, we aim to supplement our BrainOS development with the inclusion of other physiological data streams, such as heart rate variability, movement tracking, and facial or eye movements. This multi-modal approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the soldier’s physiological and cognitive readiness level. This is extremely crucial in high-stakes flight environments as the gathered information can be used to provide immediate feedback for both the soldier and commander to ensure the success of the intended mission. In addition to addressing the DAF’s readiness needs, the proposed project also set up a key foundation for HMI Cognition, especially as it pertains to decision making. By enabling persistent readiness monitoring through BrainOS, the information gathered from the warfighter can be used to improve their cognitive resilience and enhance information portrayal – two key factors that can augment their decision making ability during stressful training and combat scenarios. Furthermore, this effort will support the standardization of cognitive readiness across different DAF units. This provides a strategic advantage in training and operational contexts, ensuring DAF pilots are prepared for modern aerial combat and are equipped with enhanced decision-making skills that reduce cognitive strain. This project will set a new standard in pilot training and operational readiness, helping the U.S. Air Force maintain overmatch in air superiority and lethality through human performance optimization.