# Mind-Controlled Wheelchair Developments José Millán and His Team are Developing a New Wheelchair By Amy Duong | Published 2022-11-21 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jos-milln References: [designtaxi](https://designtaxi.com/news/421202/Paralyzed-People-Successfully-Navigate-Rooms-Using-Mind-Controlled-Wheelchair/) & [dreamstime](https://www.dreamstime.com/wheelchair-girl-art-gallery-image154346047#res37912016?utm_source=DesignTAXI&utm_medium=DesignTAXI&utm_term=DesignTAXI&utm_content=DesignTAXI&utm_campaign=DesignTAXI)  José Millán from the [University of Texas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-of-edinburgh) has been working alongside his team in developing a new wheelchair that is controlled by thoughts through training. This aids paralyzed patients in moving around on their own. The team has taught three people with severe or full paralysis in their limbs to navigate a wheelchair using a [brain-computer interface](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neurable1). It helps with avoiding any physical obstacles and other factors including fixating on lights in the room as well. The [electric wheelchair](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightweight-electric-wheelchair) is specifically built to move forward and as the user envisions movement in both legs, it turns left and if users imagine moving their arms, it turns right. The subjects wore skullcaps that were programmed with 31 electrodes in order to send signals. Image Credit: Besalialuka, Dreamstime.com ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 13% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Mind-controlled Wheelchairs:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include the development of other mind-controlled assistive devices for differently-abled individuals. - **Brain-computer Interfaces:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include the development of brain-computer interface technology to enhance communication capabilities for those with severe disabilities. - **Thought-controlled Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include the integration of thought-controlled technology in various industries such as gaming, virtual reality, and military applications. ### Where This Applies - **Assistive Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include the development of other assistive technologies for differently-abled individuals such as prosthetics and communication devices. - **Healthcare:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include the application of brain-computer interface technology to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes. - **Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include the integration of mind-controlled technology in various industries such as gaming, virtual reality, and military applications. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modified Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leaning-wheelchair.md) - [Sleek Robotic Wheelchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-wheelchair.md) - [AI-Enabled Brain Implants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/northwell-health.md) - [Robotic Movement-Interpreting Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honda-unione.md) - [VR Electric Mobility Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobility-wheelchair.md) - [Assistive Brain-Sensing Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/think2switch.md) - [Surgically-Implanted Brain Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neuralinks.md) - [Assistive Manual Wheelchair Add-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manual-wheelchair.md) - [Urban Mobility Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uni-one.md)