Naos is a research group dedicated to the investigation of automated biometric classification, and the exploration of biometric architecture. The project’s objective is to design an ergonomic brain-computer-architectural interface, compelling biometric visualizations and psychological test examples to explore the legitimacy of these types of systems at the nexus of the biological, computational and architectural.

Its first project is the Naos Platform™, a biometrics and psychological testing system. The Naos Platfom™ includes a Biometrics Capsule, Biometric Tendency Recognition and Classification System (BTRCS)™ and the Naos Adherance Index™. The current system implementation utilizes a Neurosky(TM) EEG brain-scanning headset, a Thought Technologies(TM) Galvanic Skin Response sensor, biometrics recording software, user profile and biometrics database, architectural capsule system and a psychological test example--the Naos Loyalty Test. This test classifies individuals based on their reactions to people of other races in order to determine their level of prejudice. It serves as a very basic example, one of many, that could be undertaken using the Naos Platform™.

Integral to the Naos Platform™ is the Naos Capsule, an example of biometric architecture—an ergonomic brain-computer-architectural interface. Its design is influenced by recent research in the neurosciences and its impact on the design of living, work and therapeutic spaces. The intention is to explore the influence of architectural spaces on neural activity and emotive states.

The group is simultaneously fascinated by and skeptical of these types of psychological classifications, especially when they are determined by a machine. So here they offer an experience for people to investigate their own feelings about possible future uses of biometrics technology and psychological testing procedures. Their uncertainty regarding the validity and usefulness of such tests inspires them to create situations for others to experience and therefore be able to question the results based on a real experience. The work seeks to examine similar, very real tests and situations that exist today and will become more prevalent as these technologies proliferate.

Naos Principal R & D: Carlos Castellanos and Luther Thie
Naos Collaborators: Joseph Cori , Eyal Fried, Philippe Pasquier
Naos is sponsored by Acclair, a security and neuromarketing service, with equipment and software support by NeuroSky, Thought Technology, Ltd and Belkin.