Russian Scientists Develop Mind-Controlled Wheelchair

A team of mathematicians in St. Petersburg has created an algorithm that allows a wheelchair to be controlled using only brain signals, opening new possibilities for assistive technologies.

What once belonged to the realm of science fiction is becoming reality in Russia: people can now operate mobility equipment through neural signals from the brain. This breakthrough was developed primarily to help people with disabilities.

The researchers studied mathematical models of neural ensembles, tested various control theory approaches, and analyzed brain state parameters and classifications. Their work has opened new frontiers for controlling equipment via brain-computer interfaces. Beyond wheelchairs, the technology can also be applied to robotic prosthetics.

Tests showed that the wheelchair responds directly to a user’s intentions by interpreting brain signals via electroencephalography (EEG). A neural network processes brain activity, learning to recognize commands such as 'forward,' 'left,' 'right,' and 'stop.' The system uses multi-stage signal processing, noise filtering, and user-specific calibration. At the final stage, recognized commands are converted into signals for the wheelchair’s electric drives, ensuring smooth and precise movement. This makes the system an electronic bridge between the brain and the machine—integrating neurobiology, cybernetics, and robotics.