Meta Launches Wristband That Controls Devices with Your Thoughts

Meta's Wristband Monitors Muscle Signals Before Movement Even Starts

Meta has unveiled a new type of wristband that allows users to operate computers and other devices by merely thinking about moving their hands. The prototype, which is called sEMG-RD (surface electromyography research device), can detect very small signals from muscles in the wrist even when no motion is evident.

This can be done by tracing letters on the air, moving a cursor with a turn of the wrist, or launching applications by softly pinching the fingers without ever having to touch a keyboard or screen. The device is, as per researchers, able to recognize handwriting motion in the air at speeds of approximately 20.9 words per minute. It also functions instantly for most, without requiring extensive setup and personal calibration.

It Uses AI As Well As Gold-Plated Sensors to Decode Signals in Real Time

The wristband is filled with 16 gold-plated sensors that record electrical muscle signals at high speeds. They are transmitted via Bluetooth to a processor that decodes what the individual is attempting to do, in real time.

Thomas Reardon, Meta's Director of Neuromotor Interfaces, described how real movement isn't even required. "You just have to intend the move," he stated. The technology relies on information gathered from thousands of users, which was used to train a neural network to identify a broad spectrum of muscle signals accurately.

Breakthrough Could Help Paralyzed People Interact With Technology

One of the most potentially beneficial applications of this wristband is for assisting individuals with disabilities. Meta is already collaborating with Carnegie Mellon University on a trial of using the wristband on individuals with spinal cord injuries. Participants, even some who have complete hand paralysis, still produce muscle signals of sufficient strength for the device to recognize.

This wristband is a safer and more convenient option than brain implants such as Elon Musk's Neuralink. It also provides more distinct signals than head-based systems such as EEG caps, which have been utilized in similar studies.

Meta has been working on this tech ever since acquiring CTRL Labs back in 2019. The wristband also interfaces with Meta's AR endeavors and already demonstrated compatibility with their AR glasses. The firm has released more than 100 hours of muscle signal data for other researchers to expand upon this achievement.

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