New technology allows people with motor impairments to control devices with their minds
Alberta researchers have unveiled a new piece of technology that will help improve the lives of people with motor impairment.
Think2Switch is a headset that reads brain signals and sends them to switch-enabled home devices, which are controlled by computers, allowing people with motor impairments to use toys or technology without moving a muscle.
“This is a brain control interface, we call it BCI for short. We use non-invasive BCI so you just need to have sensors on the surface of the scalp and those detect the brain signals,” said Dr. Kim Adams, director of the Assistive Technology Lab at the University of Alberta.
“This is beautiful in its simplicity because there’s a lot of assisted technology out there that just receives a signal switch output and because of that, we can use all those devices. Families often have a lot of switch adapted toys at home.”
A team of researchers have been testing the device with children as part of the BCI for Kids program.
While the device is being tested with children, researchers said it can be used by a person of any age.
Six-year-old Claire Sonnenberg is in a wheelchair. She has been using the Think2Switch for about a year and a half.
Her family got involved with the program when they were looking for a way for Claire to communicate.
Claire has Cerebral Palsy, and her mom Stephanie says the device has totally changed how she interacts with other children.
“It’s brought a new aspect of play. Claire is a huge part of play in our family, she has her own role, but now it’s an active role, an active independent role, and that’s what makes a difference," said Stephanie.
“Before it was me helping her paint, or me helping push something on, and now it’s her thinking what she wants to happen and it actually going.”
According to researchers at the U of A, over 3.5 million Canadians rely solely on assistive technology. For at least 20,000 of them, existing technology is unsuitable.
They’re hoping the Think2Switch will help fill the gap.
“The biggest thing I can say to anyone is not to underestimate these kids,” Stephanie said. “She hears everything, she understands everything, and when we give them a way that they can show what they know, and what they can do, it’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Alison MacKinnon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.