Flying drones by using only thoughts may sound like something you should expect from a sci-fi movie. But a Portugal-based aeronautics company called TEKEVER has successfully shown how a drone can take off, turn and land using just thoughts.
Drone specialist TEKEVER has shown how hands-free interfaces could work in the future when planes could be controlled without the need for a crew on board.
The company developed brain-to-computer interface (BCI) software as part of a mind-controlled drone project called ‘Brainflight.’ Brainflight successfully merges neuroscience research with aeronautical systems engineering.
So How Does It Work?
The flight made use of BCI software along with an EEG cap to measure the brain waves of the pilot. A bespoke software and algorithm then converted the pilot’s brain signals as an input to the drone’s control system.
The system has been successfully tested with a 4-seat, dual-engine, propeller-driven airplane simulator where one pilot controlled the simulator through the Brainflight system.
The Next Step is to Make Use of This Technology in Live Flights
As per experts, this research will lead to a reduction in pilots’ workload while also allowing disabled persons to control both manned and remotely piloted planes in the future.
Watch the video below to learn more!
