Facebook: Bracelet for reading brain signals

2021: Bracelet announcement for reading brain signals

In mid-March 2021, Facebook Reality Labs (FRL) introduced an AR interface that reads brain signals and controls objects in augmented reality. The bracelet system uses contextual artificial intelligence that dynamically adapts to the user and his environment.

The bracelet uses electromyography (EMG) technology to read hand movements. The technology understands what the user wants to do and reproduces his actions in virtual or augmented reality.

EMG sensors convert the signals of the motor nerves that pass through the wrist to the hand into digital commands that can be used to control the functions of the device. The EMG can recognize the smallest finger movements within a millimeter, which facilitates data entry.

Facebook introduced a bracelet that reads brain signals and controls objects in AR

Thanks to neural interfaces, we give you the ability to control the machine directly using the output of the peripheral nervous system, in particular nerves outside the brain that control the muscles of your hands and fingers, "explained FRL Director of Neuromotor Interfaces Thomas Reardon.

The company explains the work of technology by the fact that although a person has many thoughts, he acts only in accordance with some of them. The brain selects these thoughts and sends signals to the hands, after which they perform certain actions - write a text or show gestures. The neural interface simply translates these signals into digital commands. Moreover, it acts much more efficiently than traditional interfaces including a touch screen, mouse or keyboard.

By March 2021, the bracelet can read only simple gestures, for example, flattening the thumb and index finger, but the developers expect that in the future users will be able to move virtual objects or type without a keyboard.^[1]

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