Meta and University of Utah Explore EMG Wristband for Inclusive Gesture Control

• Collaboration explores how the Meta Neural Band can support gesture input for users with limited hand mobility.
• Study builds on prior research showing EMG signals can enable virtual movement even after stroke or injury.

Meta is working with the University of Utah to study how surface EMG technology can make gesture-based controls more accessible. The research centers on the Meta Neural Band, Meta's recently released consumer wristband that detects muscle activity, and focuses on adapting it for people with different levels of motor ability. Led by Dr. Jacob A. George, Director of the Utah NeuroRobotics Lab, the project brings together academic, clinical, and product teams to design interfaces that work across a wide range of physical conditions.

The research focuses on how the Meta Neural Band can be used to control devices through muscle signals from the wrist, including by people with limited hand movement. Researchers are working with participants who have different levels of mobility to test how the system responds and to adjust the controls through ongoing feedback.

The project builds on earlier research funded through Meta’s 2021 neural interface design program, where wrist EMG signals enabled control of a virtual hand even without visible finger movement. Now, the team is applying that approach to everyday tasks, testing how the Neural Band performs in real-world scenarios, and exploring use with devices like the TetraSki. University of Utah researchers are working closely with Meta to run ongoing experiments and refine the gesture system through direct input from users.

🌀 Tom’s Take:

Surface EMG could be a game-changer for people with neuromuscular conditions. Making gesture control work through muscle signals instead of hand movement is a huge step toward real-world inclusion.

Source: Meta

Disclosure: Tom Emrich has previously worked with or holds interests in companies mentioned. His commentary is based solely on public information and reflects his personal views.