Brain-Controlled AR/VR Technology In Development, ‘No Hands!’

With Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technology progressing so quickly, people often wonder how long it would take until controlling devices or interfacing with gadgets will no longer require the use of one’s hands. As it turns out, quite close, thanks to a technology that can allow virtual interface via brain command.

Based on the study done by researchers at the University of Washington, controlling a virtual interface without the need for the body’s five senses to intervene is now possible, Futurism reports. The implications of this breakthrough are staggering, which happen to include being able to play games without using hands. Looks like another “Back To The Future II” technology is about to come to fruition.

Much of the research revolved around watching a subject use an experimental interface, which allows them to play a game by just thinking about it. The game is simplistic, involving moving a figure of a person to navigate a maze-like environment. According to Professor Rajesh Rao at the UW Computer Science & Engineering, this is basically where the technology is headed anyway.

“The way virtual reality is done these days is through displays, headsets and goggles, but ultimately your brain is what creates your reality,” Prof. Rao said.

The process involves the use of what’s called a phosphene and the transcranial magnetic stimulation method. A phosphene is basically an artifact derived from visual stimulation, while transcranial magnetic stimulation is a popular method that involves the use of magnetic coils in order to stimulate specific parts of the brain.

Based on the results of the test, playing the game using only the brain had a 92 percent success rate. This means that, in theory, it’s more than possible to play the most popular video games these days without the need for peripherals.

However, this technology is still in its infancy. It’s going to be a long way off before gamers can shoot bandits with their minds.