A New Way to Communicate for People Living with ALS
As featured in The Goodnewspaper- The Tech Edition
For people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the gradual loss of muscle control often leads to challenges with speaking and, eventually, even moving their eyes. Many assistive communication tools rely on eye movement, so when that ability is lost, options for staying connected become extremely limited.
Cognixion has developed a new approach that could help. The Axon-R headset combines brain-computer interface (BCI) technology with artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) to create a communication system that doesn’t depend on speech or motor control.
The headset works by using small sensors to detect brain responses to flashing visual patterns. Those responses are then interpreted by AI to select letters, words, or commands. This allows the user to communicate even without physical movement. The built-in AR display helps create an interactive, accessible experience for the person wearing it.
The goal of the Axon-R is simple: give people with advanced ALS another way to share their thoughts, needs, and ideas with those around them. While it’s still an emerging technology, it represents a step forward in making communication more inclusive for people with severe motor impairments.
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