Imperial startup demos thought-controlled VR game
Cogitat, an Imperial startup, has showcased a VR game whereby the player controls their virtual body using nothing more than the power of thought.
For the first time since its launch last year, the company has publicly demonstrated its brain-computer interface through a video. This technology enables users to execute actions like controlling the movement of a virtual reality hand using their mental intentions.
The technology employs EEG headsets to non-invasively gauge electrical activity in the brain, along with advanced machine learning to interpret EEG data and anticipate intended physical actions.
The video demonstrates that the award-winning technology, presently being developed for use in entertainment and healthcare, is compatible not just with EEG headsets employed in research but also with consumer-grade headsets that are affordable and simple to use at home.
The version of the technology demoed in the video makes use of EEG brain wave data gathered through a study carried out by Imperial’s Department of Computing in partnership with Cogitat.
The MyBrainCommands experiment is continuing in London at Imperial’s South Kensington campus. Researchers are inviting members of the public or the Imperial community who are interested in contributing their own brain wave data to register their interest.
