non-invasive · fNIRS · research-only
Kernel Flow2
By Kernel
Identity
- Manufacturer
- Kernel
- Model number
- —
- Codename
- —
- Aliases
- Flow 2, Kernel Flow 2
- Generation
- 2nd
- Country of origin
- US
- Released
- Announced
- Discontinued
- —
- Status
- research-only
Classification
- Invasiveness
- non-invasive
- Modalities
- fNIRS, EEG
- Primary modality
- fNIRS
- Direction
- read
- Categories
- research-grade
- Form factor
- helmet
- Use cases
- whole-cortex hemodynamic imaging, cognitive neuroscience research, psychiatry / pharma biomarker studies, BCI research
- Target users
- neuroscience-researcher
Electrodes
- Total channels
- 720
- Recording channels
- 720
- Reference channels
- 2
- Electrode type
- optical, dry-active
- Material
- other
- 10-20 positions
- —
- Requires gel
- No
- Requires saline
- No
- Prep time
- —
- Reusable
- Yes
- Disposable
- No
Signal acquisition
- Sampling rate
- 4.7 Hz
- ADC resolution
- —
- Notch filters
- —
- Onboard artifact rejection
- —
Stimulation
- Capable
- No
Connectivity
- Protocols
- —
- Bluetooth
- —
- Bluetooth profiles
- —
- Concurrent mode
- —
- Encryption (transit)
- —
- Pairing methods
- —
- Cloud sync
- No
- Offline recording
- Yes
Power
- Sources
- wired
- Battery life (active)
- —
- Charging port
- —
- Charging time
- —
- Battery replaceable
- —
- Notes
- Helmet is mains-powered via its acquisition base station.
Physical
- Weight
- —
- Dimensions
- —
- Materials
- —
- Sizes
- one-size-adjustable
- Head circumference
- —
- Operating temp
- —
Software & data
- Mobile app
- No
- Cloud platform
- No
- Offline mode
- Yes
- Subscription required
- —
- Raw data access
- Yes
- Export formats
- snirf
- LSL support
- —
- Data ownership
- user
- Apps
- —
SDK & developer access
- Has SDK
- Yes
- Open source
- No
- Languages
- —
- Web Bluetooth
- No
- Raw sample access
- Yes
- BCI paradigms
- passive-monitoring
- 3rd-party integrations
- —
- Docs
- kernel.com
Capabilities
- Attention / focus
- —
- Meditation / calm
- —
- Neurofeedback
- Yes
- Meditation coaching
- —
- Sleep tracking
- —
Regulatory & clinical
- FDA status
- none
- CE mark
- No
- Certifications
- —
- Prescription required
- No
- Pediatric approved
- No
Pricing & availability
- MSRP
- $117,200
- Current price
- $117,200
- Subscription
- —
- Warranty
- —
- Return policy (days)
- —
- Where to buy
- Buy at kernel.com
Media & links
- Official site
- kernel.com
- Product page
- kernel.com
Editor’s take
In favor
- Higher channel density than Flow1
- Improved donning / comfort over Flow1
- Whole-cortex coverage in a head-worn form factor
- Adds 4-channel EEG to the original TD-fNIRS modality
Against
- Research-only — Kernel explicitly disclaims medical / regulatory testing
- Tethered to a base station; not ambulatory
- $117k+ — out of reach for individual researchers
Sources & provenance
- Kernel — Products page (Flow2 spec sheet)
- NeuroNews International — Kernel unveils Flow2
- Scientific Reports 2024 — Kernel Flow2 reliability
- Ban et al., Neurophotonics 2022 — Kernel Flow technical paper
Last reviewed