NeuroChat: A Neuroadaptive AI Chatbot for Customizing Learning Experiences

Generative AI is transforming education by enabling personalized, on-demand learning experiences. However, current AI systems lack awareness of the learner's cognitive state, limiting their adaptability. Meanwhile, electroencephalography (EEG)-based neuroadaptive systems have shown promise in enhancing engagement through real-time physiological feedback. This paper presents NeuroChat, a neuroadaptive AI tutor that integrates real-time EEG-based engagement tracking with generative AI to adapt its responses. NeuroChat continuously monitors a learner's cognitive engagement and dynamically adjusts content complexity, tone, and response style in a closed-loop interaction. In a within-subjects study (n=24), NeuroChat significantly increased both EEG-measured and self-reported engagement compared to a non-adaptive chatbot. However, no significant differences in short-term learning outcomes were observed. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of real-time cognitive feedback in LLMs, highlighting new directions for adaptive learning, AI tutoring, and deeper personalization in human-AI interaction.