Facebook features the way to control AR via a wrist-worn device

Facebook shows off a new feature where users could ultimately control AR. The idea is to use a technique to detect nerve signals travelling through the wrist.

Previously, the social media giant projected Project Aria, the project that will help Facebook create augmented reality glasses. The company had a vision where such a device could take over many functions we currently use smartphones for, like calling or looking up directions. And now, Facebook is sharing a new peek into how users could ultimately control AR.

The company will use a technique known as electromyography or EMG, which can detect nerve signals. A wrist-worn device with specialized sensors will interpret nerve signals and translate them into “digital commands” that could then be used to control a device or AR interface.

In a blog post, Facebook explained:

Think of it like this: You take many photos and choose to share only some of them. Similarly, you have many thoughts and you choose to act on only some of them. When that happens, your brain sends signals to your hands and fingers telling them to move in specific ways in order to perform actions like typing and swiping. This is about decoding those signals at the wrist — the actions you’ve already decided to perform — and translating them into digital commands for your device.

Though, researchers explained that this work is still years away. There are other concerns Facebook will need to mark outside the mechanics of how wrist-controlled AR will operate. To name one, the rising privacy concerns that accompany an always-on Facebook-run AR platform.