Royal Philips and Accenture today announced new proof of concept software that connects a wearable display to Emotiv Insight Brainware could help patients suffering from the debilitating affects of Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS. The disease impairs brain and spinal cord nerve cells, gradually diminishing voluntary muscle action. Late-stage patients often become totally paralyzed, while retaining brain functions. 

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, which include Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Service, a Smart TV and the Philips Hue lighting system. The tablet also allows control of these products using eye and voice commands. 

In both cases, the companies said a person could communicate preconfigured messages, request medical assistance, and control TVs and lights. Accenture and Philips developed the software that enables the integration and interaction between the technologies.

Paul Daugherty, Accenture’s chief technology officer, said the proof of concept shows the potential of wearable technology in a wat that could help people with serious diseases and mobility issues take back some control of their lives. 

“It is another demonstration of how Accenture and Philips, collaborating with other technology innovators, seek to improve the lives of people with healthcare challenges,” Daughtery said in a statement.