Cognixion announced today that it is launching a clinical study integrating its EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) with Apple Vision Pro.
The study aims to look at how Cognixion’s Nucleus bio-sensing hub and advanced EEG montage, when used with Apple Vision Pro’s accessibility features like eye tracking and dwell control, can enable new ways for individuals to communicate and interact using combinations of brain signals, eye gaze or head pose without the need for surgery.
Santa Barbara, California-based Cognixion said the first and most important outcome the study looks at is is enabling natural, conversational communication between participants and their families, caregivers and communities.
The companies plan to combine Cognixion’s expertise in neurotechnology and AI with the accessibility features offered by Apple. They hope to assess new assistive pathways to enable faster, more natural communication and computer interaction for those with speech and mobility challenges. This could help people with conditions like ALS, spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke-related speech impairments and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Cognixion said its study measures how the technologies expand access to everyday communication without surgery. Patients can enroll now and the company expects the study to run through April 2026.
The company develops its own headset utilizing BCI technology, called Axon-R. Its non-invasive, wearable neural interface device uses advanced BCI electroencephalogram (EEG) capabilities. The device enables precise measurement and modulation of brain activity through visual stimuli, biofeedback and neurofeedback. Now, it hopes to bring its BCI and EEG capabilities to Apple’s leading headset.
More about the pairing of Cognixion and Apple’s technologies
Cognixion says that leveraging accessibility features on Apple Vision Pro with its own non-invasive, AI-mediated neural input methods can enable the study to look at new forms of hands-free, voice-free interaction for individuals with little or no voluntary motor control.
The company also aims to validate use cases in assisted reality applications. These range from controlling mobility devices to assessing entertainment, education and work. All would take place through a seamless, non-invasive interface designed for real-world independence.
Cognixion said its study marks one of the first clinical explorations of a non-invasive, EEG-based BCI with Apple Vision Pro. Another leading BCI contender, Synchron, similarly paired its implantable system with the Apple Vision Pro recently, too.
The Cognixion device set for the study remains investigational. It expects to follow this feasibility study with a pivotal trial in 2026 and hopes for FDA clearance after that.
Commentary from company officials
Andreas Forsland, CEO of Cognixion, said:
“Apple has set a global standard by making accessibility integral to every device, and Apple Vision Pro extends that commitment to spatial computing. By exploring how Cognixion’s non-invasive BCI technology and AI applications can work with Apple’s accessibility features, we hope to unlock new levels of independence and connection for people living with ALS, spinal cord injuries, stroke, and traumatic brain injuries. Our focus is on improving lives today without requiring surgery or tethered systems.”
Chris Ullrich, chief technology officer at Cognixion and principal investigator for the clinical trial, added:
“This study is about understanding the patient experience-what happens when advanced accessibility features meet new neural input methods. We are committed to working closely with each participant, learning from their lived experiences, and translating that into meaningful, delightful solutions. Apple Vision Pro offers an intuitive user interface, and our goal is to leverage Cognixion’s brain-sensing and AI technologies to better support millions of people affected by speech and mobility challenges.”
