An example of the new product some refer to as "Cat Ears."

Their new product “Necomimi” or “cat ears” looks like a Halloween costume accessory: a black headband with two fluffy, motorized kitty ears perched on top.  But these ears not only twitch and swivel like a real cat’s ears, they are controlled by the wearer’s brain signals.

The ears, in theory, react to the wearer’s emotional state, perking up when they are paying attention, laying down when they are relaxed, and wiggling when the wearer is amused.

At this point, these ears serve little practical function beyond entertaining the wearer’s friends and perhaps as way of gauging a person’s general mood.  But the possibilities, if this technology is developed further, are intriguing.

Nonverbal communication is an integral part of human interaction, things like posture and facial expression often play a significant role in how we communicate.  Clear signals such as those simplified through Necomimi could help children with autism interpret the emotions of those around them.  Victims of strokes or paralysis could express themselves with the simple flick of an ear.

One could even speculate how it might affect something like a legal trial, if those put on the stand were to wear these cute, fluffy ears while under oath.

At this point Necomimi headbands are still making the rounds at various electronics and technology shows, and are not expected to go on sale until sometime at the end of 2011.

In the meantime, though, Neurowear continues to do important research in the development of this product: should they focus on developing the black and white Necomimi?  Or black and purple?

Reach Whitney Bratton here