Japanese car maker Toyota has invented an electric wheelchair that can be steered through a helmet that detects and measures brain waves.

The helmet's Brain Machine Interface (BMI) technology translates the brain signals of the wheelchair driver into instructions to the motor so it will move forward or turn to the right and left.

"This technology is expected to be useful in the field of rehabilitation, and for physical and psychological support of wheelchair drivers," Toyota said in a statement, according to Agence France-Presse.

Toyota researchers demonstrated the wheelchair in Tokyo on Monday.