A new partnership between IBM and Inclusive Brains could bring mind-controlled computing closer to everyday use.
By combining artificial intelligence, quantum computing and non-invasive neurotechnology, the companies aim to redefine how the brain communicates with devices.
It was announced on Tuesday that the tech giant and the French neurotechnology start-up, which specialises in non-invasive brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), have entered a joint study agreement to explore how advanced technology can improve the classification of brain activity patterns.
The study will use IBM’s Granite foundation models to “generate and review code, to then create benchmarks to test hundreds of thousands of machine learning algorithmic combinations, in order to help identify the most efficient algorithms for classification and interpretation of one’s brain activity”, it said.
The study will also explore the use of quantum machine learning techniques to classify brain activity, as well as methods for automatically selecting the most effective algorithms tailored to each person. These algorithms will be used to support “mental commands” – actions triggered without speech or physical movement – to control digital workstations.
Unlike invasive devices such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink or Synchron, which recently partnered with Nvidia and requires surgical implants, Inclusive Brains’ multimodal interface interprets brainwaves, facial expressions, eye movements and other physiological signals to infer intent and translate it into action.
The research marks a step towards building more adaptive interfaces for users with disabilities, as well as those working in cognitively demanding environments.
The results from the study will be published as open science to support wider research and public understanding.
The collaboration also draws on existing ethical guidelines for the use of neurotechnology and neural data, including frameworks previously endorsed by IBM.
“We are particularly proud to engage with innovative start-ups such as Inclusive Brains and to contribute to a technology that supports advancing health care for the benefit of the general population, by providing access to IBM’s AI and quantum technologies in a responsible manner,” said Beatrice Kosowski, president of IBM France.
Prof Olivier Oullier, chief executive and co-founder of Inclusive Brains, said: “Our joint study with IBM will help Inclusive Brains develop technology for deeply personalised interactions between machines and their users.
“We’re transitioning from the era of generic interfaces to that of bespoke solutions, crafted to adapt to each individual’s unique physicality, cognitive diversity and needs.”
The announcement also notes Prof Oullier’s new academic role as visiting professor in the department of human-computer interaction at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi.
Inclusive Brains has been testing its systems in medical settings. In partnership with orthopaedic surgeon Dr Sebastien Parratte, of the International Knee and Joint Centre in Abu Dhabi, its Prometheus BCI interface has been used in operations to “provide real-time measures of the level of stress, attention and cognitive load of the surgeon”.
The aim is to evaluate how such data might support concentration and reduce errors in high-pressure environments.
The company has demonstrated its technology publicly, including when a woman with physical and cognitive impairments controlled a robotic arm to allow her to carry the Olympic torch in France last year. The technology was also used to send a tweet to French President Emmanuel Macron and contribute a text amendment to a bill in the French Parliament.
Founded by Prof Oullier and Paul Barbaste, Inclusive Brains develops interfaces that respond to the physical and cognitive characteristics of users. Its current research explores how such systems could help with decision making and concentration, and reduce strain from prolonged use of technology.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Mohammed bin Zayed MajlisMATCH INFO
Barcelona 4 (Messi 23′ pen, 45 1′, 48′, Busquets 85′)
Celta Vigo 1 (Olaza 42′)
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
SCHEDULE
Saturday, April 20: 11am to 7pm – Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival and Para jiu-jitsu.
Sunday, April 21: 11am to 6pm – Abu Dhabi World Youth (female) Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Monday, April 22: 11am to 6pm – Abu Dhabi World Youth (male) Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Tuesday, April 23: 11am-6pm Abu Dhabi World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Wednesday, April 24: 11am-6pm Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Thursday, April 25: 11am-5pm Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Friday, April 26: 3pm to 6pm Finals of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
Saturday, April 27: 4pm and 8pm awards ceremony.
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Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
The biog
Age: 23
Occupation: Founder of the Studio, formerly an analyst at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Education: Bachelor of science in industrial engineering
Favourite hobby: playing the piano
Favourite quote: “There is a key to every door and a dawn to every dark night”
Family: Married and with a daughter
FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday
Saint-Etienne v Montpellier (10.45pm)
Saturday
Monaco v Caen (7pm)
Amiens v Bordeaux (10pm)
Angers v Toulouse (10pm)
Metz v Dijon (10pm)
Nantes v Guingamp (10pm)
Rennes v Lille (10pm)
Sunday
Nice v Strasbourg (5pm)
Troyes v Lyon (7pm)
Marseille v Paris Saint-Germain (11pm)
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. “Let’s help others, but let’s take care of our own citizens first,” he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
ACL Elite (West) – fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
Tree of Hell
Starring: Raed Zeno, Hadi Awada, Dr Mohammad Abdalla
Director: Raed Zeno
Rating: 4/5
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