Dry EEG-electrodes

Summary
Date	2021-2025
Keywords	composites, 3d-printing, thermoplastics, electrodes, EEG
Partners	Beam Me Up Augmented Intelligence, Prof. Éric David, Daniel Poirier eng., Prof. Gelareh Momen

This project is supported and financed by the CREPEC.

Today, several types of electrodes are used in electroencephalography (EEG). The most efficient commercial models are made of metallic materials that are uncomfortable for prolonged use, requiring significant pressure or even superficial abrasion of the scalp. This makes long-duration EEG data collection — needed for emerging brain-computer interface applications — impractical with current designs.

Two commercial EEG systems by Bitbrain, illustrating the difference between wet and dry electrode designs.

Beam Me Up Labs develops AI tools for EEG signal analysis and classification. Their applications now require hours-long data collection during active use — a challenge that existing metallic electrodes cannot meet. This project addresses this gap by developing flexible dry EEG electrodes from conductive SEBS-based composite materials, combining good electrical conductivity with the softness and conformability needed for comfortable, long-duration wear.

A key innovation is the integrated manufacturing approach: electrodes are fabricated directly onto thermoplastic or composite helmets, streamlining production and ensuring reliable electrode positioning. Research conducted since 2021 in collaboration with Prof. Éric David (ÉTS) and Prof. Gelareh Momen (UQAC) has produced a series of publications on SEBS composite formulation, printability, and electromechanical performance (2025–2026).