Design and validation of a modular smart headband with embroidered electrodes for comfortable EEG monitoring
- 1School of Health Sciences, Southeast Technological University, Waterford, Ireland
- 2Walton Institute, Southeast Technological University, Waterford, Ireland
- 3Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
Abstract
Background: Wearable electroencephalography (EEG) systems enable neural monitoring beyond controlled laboratory environments. However, conventional EEG devices are limited by bulky hardware, lengthy setup procedures, electrode-related discomfort or irritation, and high costs, restricting their suitability for long-term real-world use. Objective: This study presents the design and validation of a modular smart EEG headband integrated with soft e-textile electrodes for comfortable, reliable out-of-lab EEG acquisition suitable for long-term neural monitoring. Methods: This research developed six adjustable, replaceable embroidered electrodes (textrodes) incorporating a foam layer to improve scalp contact. These textrodes were embedded in a neoprene headband and positioned over the frontal and temporal regions just below the hairline. The performance of the smart headband in detecting spectral and event-related potential (ERP) effects in three standard tasks, such as eyes open/closed, auditory oddball, and visual oddball, on ten healthy participants, was validated and compared with a commercial system endowed with sponge-based wet electrodes. Comfort and usability were assessed via a standardized questionnaire. Results: The smart headband reliably captured alpha-band modulation during the eyes open/closed task (p = 0.01) and significant ERP effects in both the auditory and visual oddball tasks (p = 0.014 and p = 0.013, respectively), demonstrating performance comparable to the commercial system. Questionnaire results indicated superior comfort and the elimination of skin irritation for the smart headband. Conclusion: The smart headband demonstrates detectability of spectral/ERP functional responses comparable to a commercial sponge-based EEG cap, while substantially improving user comfort. Significance: By combining soft embroidered electrodes with a wearable, modular form factor, this study advances wearable EEG technology toward comfortable, cost-effective applications, aligning with emerging needs in real-world neuromonitoring.
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BibTeX
@article{komal2026design,
title = {{Design and validation of a modular smart headband with embroidered electrodes for comfortable EEG monitoring}},
author = {Komal Komal and Frances Cleary and Ram Prasadh Narayanan and John S. G. Wells and Marco Buiatti and Louise Bennett},
journal = {PLOS One},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0347189},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0347189},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Design and validation of a modular smart headband with embroidered electrodes for comfortable EEG monitoring
AU - Komal Komal
AU - Frances Cleary
AU - Ram Prasadh Narayanan
AU - John S. G. Wells
AU - Marco Buiatti
AU - Louise Bennett
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/09
JO - PLOS One
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0347189
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0347189
AB - Background: Wearable electroencephalography (EEG) systems enable neural monitoring beyond controlled laboratory environments. However, conventional EEG devices are limited by bulky hardware, lengthy setup procedures, electrode-related discomfort or irritation, and high costs, restricting their suitability for long-term real-world use. Objective: This study presents the design and validation of a modular smart EEG headband integrated with soft e-textile electrodes for comfortable, reliable out-of-lab EEG acquisition suitable for long-term neural monitoring. Methods: This research developed six adjustable, replaceable embroidered electrodes (textrodes) incorporating a foam layer to improve scalp contact. These textrodes were embedded in a neoprene headband and positioned over the frontal and temporal regions just below the hairline. The performance of the smart headband in detecting spectral and event-related potential (ERP) effects in three standard tasks, such as eyes open/closed, auditory oddball, and visual oddball, on ten healthy participants, was validated and compared with a commercial system endowed with sponge-based wet electrodes. Comfort and usability were assessed via a standardized questionnaire. Results: The smart headband reliably captured alpha-band modulation during the eyes open/closed task (p = 0.01) and significant ERP effects in both the auditory and visual oddball tasks (p = 0.014 and p = 0.013, respectively), demonstrating performance comparable to the commercial system. Questionnaire results indicated superior comfort and the elimination of skin irritation for the smart headband. Conclusion: The smart headband demonstrates detectability of spectral/ERP functional responses comparable to a commercial sponge-based EEG cap, while substantially improving user comfort. Significance: By combining soft embroidered electrodes with a wearable, modular form factor, this study advances wearable EEG technology toward comfortable, cost-effective applications, aligning with emerging needs in real-world neuromonitoring.
SN - 1932-6203
ER -