Skip to main content

Facebook acquires startup developing mind control computing technology

Facebook today announced that it is acquiring CTRL-labs, a New York-based startup developing technology that would allow humans to control computers using their brains. CNBC reports that the deal is valued at approximately $1 billion.

As part of the acquisition, CTRL-labs will join Facebook’s Reality Labs division, which is also working on developing augmented reality glasses. Facebook’s vice president of AR/VR, Andrew Bosworth, confirmed the acquisition in a post, praising the CTRL-labs technology as opening up “new creative possibilities.”

Technology like this has the potential to open up new creative possibilities and reimagine 19th century inventions in a 21st century world. This is how our interactions in VR and AR can one day look. It can change the way we connect.

Bosworth also offers a brief explanation of how the technology will work using a wristband that’s a “natural extension of movement.”

The vision for this work is a wristband that lets people control their devices as a natural extension of movement. Here’s how it’ll work: You have neurons in your spinal cord that send electrical signals to your hand muscles telling them to move in specific ways such as to click a mouse or press a button.

The wristband will decode those signals and translate them into a digital signal your device can understand, empowering you with control over your digital life. It captures your intention so you can share a photo with a friend using an imperceptible movement or just by, well, intending to.

CTRL-labs was founded in 2015 and recently secured $28 million in funding from companies including Amazon. The company was founded by Thomas Reardon and Patrick Kaifosh, the former of which spent nine years at Microsoft prior to CTRL-labs.

Facebook has detailed its efforts in brain computing before. Back in July, the company provided an update on its “hands-free communication without saying a word” technology. Research suggests, however, that this sort of technoloyg is still years away from commercial availability.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

totallee clear case iphone 11
You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

Comments

Author

Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is the editor-in-chief of 9to5Mac, overseeing the entire site’s operations. He also hosts the 9to5Mac Daily and 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcasts.

You can send tips, questions, and typos to chance@9to5mac.com.

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications