Mind reading is no longer a supernatural feat that exists solely on the
magician’s stage or in
Hollywood’s imagination.
Neurological technology has arrived and, though a mental telepathy gadget has yet to emerge (notwithstanding the transparency afforded by social media), people can now summon their inner
Professor X and use their brainwaves to do everything from experiencing the thrill of human flight to enhancing concentration.
The Ascent: Flying without adequate equipment is best left to the birds. That said, artist/ director Yehuda Duenyas’
interactive installation The Ascent helps humans levitate more than 30 feet, all through the power of meditation and fastidious focus. Once someone is outfitted with a harness and
EEG brainwave sensor, an attendant clips flying cables onto them while they prepare for take-off on a launching pad. The room then pulsates with low frequencies produced by real-time brainwaves, and the rider's deep concentration slowly lifts them into the air. With a grand finale of fireworks-filled explosions, the rider experiences "super-human glory" in a spectacular setting that is sure to also wow spectators.
The Axio: Those who suspect
the Internet to be the root of evil when it comes to distraction now have a way to hone in on which sites are the worst offenders.
The Axio headband utilizes silver-chloride dry electrodes to measure neural activity of the
prefrontal cortex, which is the region of the brain associated with focused activity. The device’s EEG sensors detect when the wearer is experiencing heightened attention, information processing, problem solving, or verbal reasoning, enabling it to educate the wearer on their cognitive patterns. The wearer, after gaining insight into what gets them “in the zone” (or, just as importantly, what doesn't), is able to enhance their productivity thereafter.
Necomimi: Feline-inspired accessories aren’t just for
pop stars and cosplayers anymore. Appropriately launched at
Comic-Con, the Necomimi is a set of feline ears that moves in accordance with its wearer’s thoughts. The novelty device, which is
already big in Japan, is equipped with a brainwave-reading node that attaches to the wearer’s forehead. Ear movements imitate that of a cat, perking up when the wearer is alert or stimulated, wiggling during heightened concentration, and dropping back down when unfocused. The ears are currently available through
authorized partners online, and parent company Neurosky hopes to bring the sets to specialty shops by Halloween and to toy stores by the 2012 holiday season.
