Meta developing a wristband that can let users control devices without touching them

Meta is developing a wristband that can pick up electrical signals from muscles and use them to control computers, smartphones, and other devices. Interestingly, the user does not even have to physically move as the wristband can understand the user’s intention to move, and that will trigger a response on screen. The device however, is still in development but Meta says it could be ready for the market in the next few years.

This wristband is designed by researchers at Meta’s Reality Labs and works using a technique called electromyography (EMG). It reads electrical signals that travel from the brain to the muscles, especially in the forearm. So this means, when you think about moving a finger or wrist, your brain sends signals, and this device catches those signals before your muscles even react.

“You don’t have to actually move,” said Thomas Reardon, Meta’s VP of research. “You just have to intend to make the move.”

The technology relies on AI to make sense of these muscle signals. Meta gathered data from about 10,000 people wearing the wristband prototype. Using machine learning, the team trained the system to recognize patterns linked to specific movements.

Even a new user could strap on the band and start using it without needing to teach it from scratch.