Srico to Develop Sensor System for Military Pilots

Srico Inc. of Columbus, Ohio, will develop an optical electroencephalogram sensor system to monitor gravity-induced loss of consciousness in military pilots, under a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research contract from the US Navy’s Office of Naval Research. The system incorporates the company’s Photrode miniature optical chip-based sensor, which uses light instead of electricity as the transmission medium and requires no adhesives or gels.

A set of helmet-mounted Photrodes could be used for monitoring the neurophysiological state of aviators in various military scenarios. The sensing system would be integrated with tactical aircraft cockpit and control systems to detect the onset of loss of consciousness, to provide alert/alarm functions and to activate an autopilot recovery system.