Thought-Controlled House

One of Japan’s largest home builders – known for their environmentally sustainable designs – recently unveiled a new dwelling that promises to redefine independent living for wheelchair-bound individuals and seniors who would otherwise be unable to live alone. The home is equipped with infrared, ultrasound and other sensors designed to detect brain wave signals to operate wheelchairs, appliances, televisions, air conditioners, lighting and a host of other electrically-controlled devices.

Sensors on top of a user’s head respond to changes in brain wave activity and blood flow, and correlate them to commands. The patterns are then stored for later reference by an expert system that continually refines its responses. Tests have shown that it takes between 6 and 30 second for devices to respond with an accuracy of more than 70 percent.