Cross-Section of Brain. Getty Images
Cross-Section of Brain. Getty Images
Cross-Section of Brain. Getty Images
Cross-Section of Brain. Getty Images

IBM and Inclusive Brains team up to develop mind-controlled computing


Dana Alomar
  • English
  • Arabic

A new partnership between IBM and Inclusive Brains could bring mind-controlled computing closer to everyday use.

By combining artificial intelligence, quantum computing and non-invasive neurotechnology, the companies aim to redefine how the brain communicates with devices.

It was announced on Tuesday that the tech giant and the French neurotechnology start-up, which specialises in non-invasive brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), have entered a joint study agreement to explore how advanced technology can improve the classification of brain activity patterns.

The study will use IBM’s Granite foundation models to “generate and review code, to then create benchmarks to test hundreds of thousands of machine learning algorithmic combinations, in order to help identify the most efficient algorithms for classification and interpretation of one’s brain activity”, it said.

The study will also explore the use of quantum machine learning techniques to classify brain activity, as well as methods for automatically selecting the most effective algorithms tailored to each person. These algorithms will be used to support “mental commands” – actions triggered without speech or physical movement – to control digital workstations.

Unlike invasive devices such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink or Synchron, which recently partnered with Nvidia and requires surgical implants, Inclusive Brains’ multimodal interface interprets brainwaves, facial expressions, eye movements and other physiological signals to infer intent and translate it into action.

The research marks a step towards building more adaptive interfaces for users with disabilities, as well as those working in cognitively demanding environments.

The results from the study will be published as open science to support wider research and public understanding.

The collaboration also draws on existing ethical guidelines for the use of neurotechnology and neural data, including frameworks previously endorsed by IBM.

“We are particularly proud to engage with innovative start-ups such as Inclusive Brains and to contribute to a technology that supports advancing health care for the benefit of the general population, by providing access to IBM’s AI and quantum technologies in a responsible manner,” said Beatrice Kosowski, president of IBM France.

Prof Olivier Oullier, chief executive and co-founder of Inclusive Brains, said: “Our joint study with IBM will help Inclusive Brains develop technology for deeply personalised interactions between machines and their users.

“We're transitioning from the era of generic interfaces to that of bespoke solutions, crafted to adapt to each individual's unique physicality, cognitive diversity and needs.”

The announcement also notes Prof Oullier’s new academic role as visiting professor in the department of human-computer interaction at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi.

Inclusive Brains has been testing its systems in medical settings. In partnership with orthopaedic surgeon Dr Sebastien Parratte, of the International Knee and Joint Centre in Abu Dhabi, its Prometheus BCI interface has been used in operations to “provide real-time measures of the level of stress, attention and cognitive load of the surgeon".

Doctors perform an operation at the International Knee and Joint Centre in Abu Dhabi, where an AI-powered brain-computer interface has been used to monitor surgeons' stress, attention and cognitive load
Doctors perform an operation at the International Knee and Joint Centre in Abu Dhabi, where an AI-powered brain-computer interface has been used to monitor surgeons' stress, attention and cognitive load

The aim is to evaluate how such data might support concentration and reduce errors in high-pressure environments.

The company has demonstrated its technology publicly, including when a woman with physical and cognitive impairments controlled a robotic arm to allow her to carry the Olympic torch in France last year. The technology was also used to send a tweet to French President Emmanuel Macron and contribute a text amendment to a bill in the French Parliament.

Founded by Prof Oullier and Paul Barbaste, Inclusive Brains develops interfaces that respond to the physical and cognitive characteristics of users. Its current research explores how such systems could help with decision making and concentration, and reduce strain from prolonged use of technology.

How much of your income do you need to save?

The more you save, the sooner you can retire. Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.com, says if you save just 5 per cent of your salary, you can expect to work for another 66 years before you are able to retire without too large a drop in income.

In other words, you will not save enough to retire comfortably. If you save 15 per cent, you can forward to another 43 working years. Up that to 40 per cent of your income, and your remaining working life drops to just 22 years. (see table)

Obviously, this is only a rough guide. How much you save will depend on variables, not least your salary and how much you already have in your pension pot. But it shows what you need to do to achieve financial independence.

 

DC%20League%20of%20Super-Pets
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Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

UAE%20medallists%20at%20Asian%20Games%202023
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From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO

Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)

Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm

2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups

Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

Company%20profile
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The specs

Engine: 5.0-litre V8

Power: 480hp at 7,250rpm

Torque: 566Nm at 4,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: L/100km

Price: Dh306,495

On sale: now

The most expensive investment mistake you will ever make

When is the best time to start saving in a pension? The answer is simple – at the earliest possible moment. The first pound, euro, dollar or dirham you invest is the most valuable, as it has so much longer to grow in value. If you start in your twenties, it could be invested for 40 years or more, which means you have decades for compound interest to work its magic.

“You get growth upon growth upon growth, followed by more growth. The earlier you start the process, the more it will all roll up,” says Chris Davies, chartered financial planner at The Fry Group in Dubai.

This table shows how much you would have in your pension at age 65, depending on when you start and how much you pay in (it assumes your investments grow 7 per cent a year after charges and you have no other savings).

Age

$250 a month

$500 a month

$1,000 a month

25

$640,829

$1,281,657

$2,563,315

35

$303,219

$606,439

$1,212,877

45

$131,596

$263,191

$526,382

55

$44,351

$88,702

$177,403

 

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Updated: June 03, 2025, 7:08 AM`