Wheelchairs move by thought

Toyota Motor Corporation said it has developed a wheelchair control method by recognizing brain waves. The user does not need to use muscle, not even uttering his request.

Developed in collaboration with Japanese experts, the brainwave analysis system of Toyota is considered to be the most advanced in the world. While the old system needed a few seconds to read brain waves, the new technology allowed Toyota's brainwave analysis system to work in 125 seconds.

People in wheelchairs will wear a hat that can read signals from the brain. These signals will be scanned through a wheelchair electrocardiograph and then analyzed by computer program.

Wheelchair-driven wheelchair test. (Photo: physorg.com)

Brainwave analysis technology is part of a larger strategy than Toyota's development of cars - a strategy that moves people a whole new way.

The new system allows wheelchair users to immediately turn left, right or straight. However, stopping still takes a bit longer because wheelchair users must exaggerate their cheeks so that the system can receive information based on facial changes.

Japanese rival Honda Motor Corporation is also working on a system that connects brain waves and mechanical movement.

Brain activity emits electromagnetic energy. (Photo: equilibriumnow.com)

Earlier this year, Honda showed a clip of a man wearing a hat while thinking of lifting his right arm. Through the wires stuck inside the hat, thoughts are transmitted to the Asimo robot. This robot was programmed to respond to brain signals and raise their right hand in just a few seconds.

Both Honda and Toyota have no plans to turn the technology into commercial products, while each company says they are continuing to research the technology.