Allianz Trade and Inclusive Brains are advancing their partnership by developing a mind-controlled keyboard, a new AI-driven technology designed to improve digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The collaboration builds on their existing work in neurotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) and aims to offer non-invasive solutions for communication.
The initiative seeks to provide an alternative method for users to send messages without physical interaction. It uses neurophysiological data to translate mental commands into text.
In an effort to foster broader innovation in assistive technology, the companies plan to make the underlying algorithms open source, encouraging contributions from developers and researchers.
In 2024, Allianz Trade and Inclusive Brains introduced Prometheus BCI, an AI-enabled multimodal interface that converts neural and physiological signals into commands. The technology was demonstrated when two individuals with motor and cognitive disabilities used it to control an exoskeleton, enabling them to hold the Olympic torch.
Building on that demonstration, the companies are now working on a mind-controlled keyboard that adapts to individual users’ cognitive and physical abilities. The AI system allows people to communicate using thought patterns, eye movements, blinking, or muscle contractions, depending on their level of mobility.
“The non-invasive world premieres we have achieved as part of our partnership pave the way for further concrete and life changing applications of Prometheus BCI for people with disabilities. In just a few months, it became the first ever multimodal non-invasive tool used to mind-write-and-send a tweet, and then a parliamentary amendment at the French Parliament,” said Olivier Oullier, co-founder and CEO of Inclusive Brains and chairman of Biotech Dental’s Group AI Institute.
He said the new initiative aims to support greater accessibility to digital communication, education, and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
“Being able to control a keyboard with one’s mind, eye movements, by blinking or clenching depending on what one is able to do can be life-changing for a lot of people with paralysis or who cannot speak. It could enable them to communicate with the world again and therefore reopen the door to joining the workforce,” Oullier said.
Allianz Trade and Inclusive Brains plan to release Prometheus BCI’s algorithm as open-source software to encourage collaboration across industries. The companies see this as a step toward making assistive technologies more widely available.
“Zero discrimination is the essence of truly inclusive tech, and collective efforts are instrumental to reach this goal. By making the Prometheus BCI algorithm open source, we invite developers, institutions, and industries to collaborate on advancing assistive techs for all. Therein lies the power of unity,” said Florence Lecoutre, group board member in charge of data analytics and AI, human resources, sustainability, compliance, and communications at Allianz Trade.
The companies aim to extend the potential applications of AI-powered neurotechnology beyond assistive tools, exploring new uses in various sectors.
