Future of In-Flight Entertainment

Brainwave-controlled games and applications designed for use at 35,000 feet were a big hit at the On the Wings of Innovation aerospace conference in Windsor, Ontario, at the end of June. Attendees got a sneak peek into the future of in-flight entertainment as Toronto’s InteraXon demonstrated a prototype of its thought-controlled in-flight entertainment system, reportedly to overwhelmingly positive responses.

“We think it’s time that in-flight entertainment does more than simply distract you,” says InteraXon CEO Ariel Garten. “We create in-flight experiences that offer value even after the flight is over.” The suite of applications InteraXon created for the conference includes a meditation trainer that helps travelers relax and an EEG Golf trainer that helps users improve their concentration, focus and their golf games.

The system measures the brain’s electrical output and sorts them into waves associated with relaxation and beta waves associated with concentration. As the users relax or focus their thoughts, their brainwaves become the interface with which they control the game.

“Airline passengers are saying they want a more engaging experience or they want to rest comfortably. InteraXon’s thought-controlled computing offers tremendous potential for delivering on both of those needs,” says Rod Jones, executive director of Aerospace Ontario, one of the show’s organizers. interaxon.ca