Brainwaves Wirelessly Control Metasurfaces in New Study

Author: Light Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, CAS
Published: 14 Jun 2022 - Updated: 13 Nov 2026
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed | Research, Study, Analysis

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This research, a peer-reviewed paper published in eLight in 2022 by teams at Air Force Engineering University in China and the National University of Singapore, describes a way to control programmable metasurfaces with brainwaves. Metasurfaces are thin engineered materials that can steer and shape electromagnetic waves such as radio and microwave signals. Instead of switching them by wired, manual controls, the researchers recorded a user's brainwaves with a headset, sent the signal wirelessly over Bluetooth to a controller, and used it to change the metasurface's scattering pattern in real time. The work is an early laboratory step, not true telekinesis, but it points toward hands-free control of wireless technology that could one day help people with severe motor disabilities, as well as uses in health monitoring, smart sensors and future 5G and 6G communications.*

At a Glance

• 1 - Metasurfaces are the flat, two-dimensional form of metamaterials.
• 2 - The brainwave signal was sent to the controller wirelessly over Bluetooth.
• 3 - Most programmable metasurfaces until now were switched by hand through wired controls.
• 4 - The team plans to combine the system with intelligent algorithms and extend it to other mind-controlled devices.

Topic Definition

Programmable Metasurface

A programmable metasurface is a thin, flat array of tiny engineered elements whose electromagnetic response can be switched electronically, allowing it to steer, focus, absorb or reshape radio, microwave or light waves on demand. Each element can be turned on or off by a control signal, so the surface can change its function in real time. Programmable metasurfaces are being studied for wireless communication, radar, imaging and sensing.

Overview

Brainwave Mind Control of Metasurfaces Now Possible

Metamaterials have attracted extensive attention from many fields due to their extraordinary physical properties. It has provided researchers with a new concept of designing artificial materials, bringing vigor and vitality to advanced functional materials. As the two-dimensional counterpart to metamaterials, metasurfaces have unprecedented freedom in manipulating EM waves.

Through on-site programming, programmable metasurfaces (PMs) with multiple or switchable functions can be realized and further integrated with sensors or driven by pre-defined software. The self-adaptability significantly improves the response rate by removing human involvement. The switches among different functions on these PMs generally rely on manual operation. The fundamental framework is wire-connected, manually-controlled and non-real-time switched. Therefore, it is fascinating to construct an entire framework that can realize remote, wireless, real-time, mind-controlled functional metasurfaces

In a new paper published in eLight, a joint team of scientists led by Professor Shaobo Qu & Professor Jiafu Wang from Air Force Engineering University, and Professor Cheng-Wei Qiu from the National University of Singapore have advanced the first step towards real-time, remote, and wireless mind control of metamaterials. Their paper, titled "Remotely Mind-controlled Metasurface via Brainwaves," proposes a framework for realizing this goal.

Traditionally, the involvement and participation of humans are usually necessary for many scenarios. A human should control the metasurface with their mind directly. It has also been well established that a human's brain will generate brainwaves in the process of thinking. The authors theorized that collecting brainwaves and using them as the control signals of metasurfaces would allow the users to control metasurfaces with their minds. It would also improve the response rate of metasurfaces. This development would mark an enormous step towards truly intelligent metasurfaces.

The research team achieved remote control by transmitting brainwaves wirelessly from the user to the controller via Bluetooth. The aim was to utilize the user's brainwaves to control the EM response of PMs. By taking this route, they demonstrated an RMCM where the user could control the scattering pattern.

The simulated and test results showed that the user's brainwaves directly controlled the outcome, with a significantly better control rate and switch rate. The authors report that their approach performed better than earlier wired, manually switched designs. Their design can be further customized to improve the accuracy of their equipment.

The research team hopes to combine this with intelligent algorithms and improve the processes in the future. They believe that their work can be readily extended to other mind-controlled functional or multi-functional metasurfaces. It may find applications in areas as diverse as health monitoring, 5G/6G communications, and smart sensors.

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

Is telekinesis real?

No. There is no scientific evidence that people can move objects with their minds alone. Brain-computer interfaces work by reading brain signals with sensors and passing them to a machine.

What is a brain-computer interface?

A brain-computer interface is a system that records brain activity, usually with EEG sensors or implanted electrodes, and turns it into commands for a computer or device.

How are brainwaves measured?

Brainwaves are usually measured by electroencephalography, or EEG, which uses electrodes placed on the scalp to record electrical activity from the brain.

Can brain-computer interfaces help people with paralysis?

Yes. In research studies, people with paralysis have used brain-computer interfaces to type, control robotic arms, move a cursor and even produce speech through a computer.

What is the difference between a metamaterial and a metasurface?

A metamaterial is a three-dimensional engineered material with unusual properties, while a metasurface is a much thinner, two-dimensional version that is easier to build and control.

Do brainwave headsets need surgery?

No. Most EEG headsets sit on the scalp and need no surgery, though implanted devices can pick up clearer signals for some medical uses.

How accurate is brainwave control?

Accuracy varies with the device, the user and the task. Non-invasive EEG systems often need training and work best for a small number of simple commands.

Where could programmable metasurfaces be used?

Possible uses include faster wireless networks, smarter antennas, radar, medical imaging, sensors and devices that adapt automatically to their surroundings.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Headlines about moving things with the mind can sound like science fiction, but this study is a practical engineering step: it links a consumer-style brainwave headset to a programmable surface that steers wireless signals. The bigger picture is the growing field of brain-computer interfaces, which already lets some people with paralysis or ALS type, move a cursor or control a wheelchair using brain activity alone. Combining those interfaces with smart materials could make hands-free control of the environment more flexible in the future. For now, the system works in the lab and needs further testing for accuracy and reliability before any real-world use.*

Attribution/Source(s): This peer-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally issued as a press release by Light Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, CAS and published on 14 Jun 2022. Last updated on 13 Nov 2026. This content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.