Key Facts
- ✓ Meta commercialized EMG technology in 2025 via the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses.
- ✓ Meta partnered with Garmin to demo neural band control of in-car infotainment systems at CES 2026.
- ✓ A collaboration with the University of Utah aims to assist people with ALS and muscular dystrophy.
- ✓ The neural band detects subtle muscle movements in the wrist to control devices.
Quick Summary
Meta is moving its neural band technology into new industries, expanding beyond the smart glasses it debuted on. At CES 2026, the company revealed partnerships with Garmin and the University of Utah to demonstrate the wristband's versatility.
The technology, which uses electromyography (EMG) to interpret muscle signals, was first commercialized in 2025 for controlling the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses. Now, Meta is exploring how the same wrist-based controller can interact with vehicles and assist individuals with limited mobility. These moves signal a strategic shift toward broader integration of wearable input devices in daily life.
Automotive Integration at CES 2026
One of the primary focuses at CES 2026 was the collaboration between Meta and Garmin. The two companies, who have previously worked on fitness integrations for Meta's glasses, are now looking toward the automotive sector. They presented a conceptual demo of the neural band controlling a vehicle's built-in infotainment system.
The demonstration was part of Garmin's "Unified Cabin" concept, which focuses on AI-centric in-car experiences. While the demo was described as early and limited, it showcased the potential for hands-free control within a vehicle cockpit.
During the demo, the neural band allowed a user to navigate two specific applications on a touchscreen display:
- Car Manipulation: Users utilized pinch and swipe gestures to manipulate an on-screen 3D model of a car, similar to zooming in and out on images.
- Gaming: The band controlled a game of 2048, using swipe gestures to move tiles around the screen.
While these specific examples focused on navigation and entertainment, Garmin indicated plans to explore more practical vehicle controls. Future iterations could allow users to roll down windows or unlock doors using the wristband.
"Meta Neural Band is sensitive enough to detect subtle muscle activity in the wrist — even for people who can’t move their hands."
— Meta
Healthcare and Accessibility Research
Beyond automotive applications, Meta announced a significant research collaboration with the University of Utah. This partnership aims to leverage the neural band's sensitivity to assist individuals with ALS, muscular dystrophy, and other conditions that impair hand movement.
Researchers will work with Meta to test specific gestures that enable control over various smart home devices. According to the company, the Meta Neural Band is sensitive enough to detect subtle muscle activity in the wrist, even for people who cannot physically move their hands. This capability could allow users to operate:
- Smart speakers and thermostats
- Window blinds and door locks
- Other household automation systems
The research will also investigate mobility use cases. Specifically, the team will look at integrating the band with the University of Utah's TetraSki program. Currently, the program relies on joysticks or mouth-based controllers to help participants ski; the neural band offers a potential alternative input method.
Technology Background
Meta has been developing EMG technology for several years prior to these announcements. The core function of the neural band is to interpret subtle muscle movements in the wrist, translating them into digital commands. This technology allows for a high degree of precision in controlling digital interfaces without physical touch.
In 2025, the company took the step of commercializing the technology for the first time. It was integrated into the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, where a dedicated neural band serves as the primary control mechanism. The expansion into automotive and healthcare sectors represents the first major diversification of the platform outside of its original AR glasses ecosystem.
Future Implications
The demonstrations at CES 2026 suggest that Meta views the neural band as a universal input device rather than an accessory solely for AR glasses. By partnering with established industry players like Garmin and academic institutions like the University of Utah, Meta is validating the technology across different use cases.
If the research and development phases prove successful, the neural band could become a standard interface for controlling complex systems, from vehicle dashboards to assistive mobility devices. This broadens the potential market for the technology significantly, moving it from consumer electronics into automotive and medical fields.
