Apple has acquired Sonera, a developer of non-invasive sensors capable of measuring neural signals. The acquisition took place in May, as indicated by a notice on the European Commission website.
Sonera specializes in non-invasive tools that detect magnetic muscle activity. These sensors are designed to measure brain activity, which can be used for muscle monitoring and the active thought control of devices.
The company's co-founder, Nishita Deka, stated in 2thought 2020 that the goal was to make brain imaging portable and affordable using high-performance, cheaper, and faster methods.
In 2023, Sonera stated its objective to make measuring brain activity as simple as measuring heart rate or temperature, which could lead to the creation of a new class of consumer wearables.
Magnetic sensors are considered superior to electrical ones because electrical signals are are dampened by the skull. This technology could potentially allow for thought-based device control without the need for implants.