Voice Controls to Help ALS Patients

Royal Philips and Accenture have developed proof-of-concept software connecting a wearable display to Emotiv Insight Brainware that could ultimately give more independence to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases.

When a wearable display and the Emotiv Insight Brainware, which scans EEG brainwaves, are connected to a tablet, users can issue brain commands to control Philips products, including Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Service, Philips SmartTV, and Philips Hue personal wireless lighting. The tablet also allows control of these products using eye and voice commands. The wearable display provides visual feedback that allows the wearer to navigate through the application menu.

The Accenture Technology Labs in San Jose, Calif., collaborated with the Philips Digital Accelerator Lab in the Netherlands to create the software to interact with the Emotiv Insight Brainware and the wearable display. Fjord, a design consultancy owned by Accenture Interactive, designed the display's user interface.

"This proof of concept exemplifies how people, devices, data, and technology, could be brought together quickly to connect beyond the hospital walls in a way that can potentially help improve the quality of life for patients wherever they are in their journey," said Jeroen Tas, CEO of Healthcare Informatics Solutions and Services at Philips, in a statement. "Philips will continue to collaborate with innovative technology companies such as Accenture to explore new wearable and sensor solutions that change peoples' lives and create a healthier future."

"This proof of concept shows the potential of wearable technology in a powerful new way -- helping people with serious diseases and mobility issues take back some control of their lives through digital innovation," said Paul Daugherty, Accenture's chief technology officer, in a statement. "It is another demonstration of how Accenture and Philips, collaborating with other technology innovators, seek to improve the lives of people with healthcare challenges."

"Empowering people with Lou Gehrig's disease to live fuller lives is at the heart of the ALS Association's mission," said Ineke Zaal, spokesperson for Stichting ALS in the Netherlands, in a stastement. "We are tremendously excited about the potential for this proof of concept to give people with ALS greater independence and quality of life as we continue to actively search for a cure."

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