In a groundbreaking leap for accessibility technology, Cognixion is revolutionizing communication for individuals with speech disorders by developing a brain-computer interface (BCI) that integrates with the Apple Vision Pro. The startup’s innovative approach aims to provide a lifeline for people with paralysis caused by conditions like spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and ALS.

The company’s technology is uniquely noninvasive, unlike competitors like Neuralink who are developing surgically implanted brain chips. Cognixion’s solution uses a custom headband with six EEG sensors that can read brain signals, allowing users to communicate through visual attention and thought.

CEO Andreas Forsland’s motivation stems from a deeply personal experience. When his mother was hospitalized and unable to speak, he witnessed firsthand the devastating communication barriers faced by patients with speech impairments. This experience sparked his mission to develop more inclusive communication technologies.

The system leverages generative AI to create a personalized communication profile for each user, training on their unique speech patterns, writing style, and even sense of humor. This allows for more natural and nuanced communication, moving beyond traditional communication aids like letterboards.

Cognixion’s clinical trial will include up to 10 participants, testing their AI communication app with the Vision Pro. The technology enables users to select menu options using mental attention and generate text through AI-powered suggestions.

While challenges remain in developing reliable noninvasive brain-computer interfaces, researchers like Jonathan Kao from UCLA see immense potential. AI could help bridge performance gaps, potentially creating widespread communication solutions that don’t require invasive surgical procedures.

As technology continues to advance, Cognixion represents a beacon of hope for individuals with communication challenges, demonstrating how innovative tech can dramatically improve quality of life and restore human connection.