Meta researchers are developing a gesture-controlled wristband that can control a computer

Meta researchers at Meta Reality Labs are developing a gesture-controlled wristband that enables users to control a computer through hand gestures, such as moving a cursor, opening applications, and writing messages in the air. The wristband detects electrical signals generated by muscle activity (sEMG signals) to interpret user intentions, even before the physical movement occurs. This technology aims to provide a less invasive and more accessible way for people, especially those with motor disabilities or spinal cord injuries, to interact with computers. The device is notable for its ability to detect muscle activity even in individuals with complete hand paralysis, allowing them to perform intended actions without full arm or hand mobility. Unlike other brain-computer interface projects that may require surgical implants, Meta’s wristband operates non-invasively and at a higher frequency than EEG-based systems, offering immediate usability without surgery. The research, published in the journal Nature, highlights the potential of this wristband to improve computer accessibility for people with severe motor impairments.