Facebook purchased start-up company CTRL-Labs is developing an augmented reality interface of which Facebook gave a peak recently. The first glimpse video shows wristbands that use EMG (electromyography) like an archery simulator to translate neural signals into movements such as swiping, typing, or playing games. The wrist bands offer haptic feedback, which allows the system to carry swifter actions than compared to ‘hand-tracking options.’
As per the details revealed about the new wrist band’s prototype, it wouldn’t be wrong to assume that its simplest form would track basic gestures, Facebook calls and would have a reliable response. They are expected to function a bit like the all-purpose Microsoft HoloLens ‘air tap gesture.
The new wrist bands would track through nerve signals that run along the arm instead of tracking with the visual sensors mounted on a virtual reality headset.
Theoretically, the tech used in the wristbands opens a world of possibilities. It could track the nerve signals the brain sends to the fingers while typing makes it possible to type on a virtual keyboard without having to use physical gestures. Moreover, it could also learn how you type, so to adapt to your finger movements while you make common mistakes, this promises to enhance your work performance by folds.
The new augmented reality wristbands from CTRL-Labs offer a significant change in how most users interact with computers. The bands come with endless possibilities; users would perform typing just by thinking about what they want to write. This is in line with how Facebook wants to transform interactions using Artificial Intelligence and AR glasses.
Another latest tech feature it equips is haptics which gives the user subtle feedback using various tools, including Bellowband, Vibrating actuators, and wrist squeeze mechanism.
Facebook explained the wrist bands, “You have many thoughts, and you choose to act on only some of them. When that happens, your brain sends signals to your hands and fingers, telling them to move in specific ways to perform actions like typing and swiping. This is about decoding those signals at the wrist — the actions you’ve already decided to perform — and translating them into digital commands for your device.”
The wristbands will collect loads of data, including variations in typing patterns and levels of bodily tension. Biometric information would be collected using fitness tracking sensors, AR glasses, and other tech connected with the bands. Its neuroethics program examines the privacy, security, and safety implications of AR and neural interface technology.
Like other relevant technology, EMG bands offer a close observation of how our bodies perform actions. It might sound like a creepy band that reads your thoughts, for starters, but it is what the future has to offer.
