The startup has introduced two products — Dual and Phase — which are designed to induce lucid dreaming, a state in which a person becomes aware they are dreaming and may be able to influence the dream itself. While the idea sounds futuristic, experts caution that the technology is still largely experimental.

According to Prophetic AI, the wearable devices are designed as headbands that sit across the forehead and are equipped with sensors and stimulation modules. The company claims these gadgets can trigger lucid dreams by influencing brain activity during sleep.

Lucid dreaming is a known psychological phenomenon where individuals gain awareness within a dream and, in some cases, control aspects of it. However, achieving this state consistently has traditionally required practice, training, or specific mental techniques.

Prophetic AI says its devices aim to simplify this process using technology.

The company has explained that the devices use a combination of artificial intelligence and a technique known as transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS). This involves sending low-intensity ultrasonic waves through the skull to target specific areas of the brain.

In this case, the device focuses on the prefrontal cortex, a region associated with decision-making and self-awareness. During normal dreaming, this part of the brain is less active, which is why people are usually unaware they are dreaming.

By stimulating the frontoparietal network — a brain system linked to awareness — the device aims to 'rebalance' activity and push the brain into a lucid state during REM sleep.

Additionally, the wearable includes electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors to monitor brain activity in real time. These sensors help the system detect sleep stages and apply stimulation at the appropriate moment.

While the concept is grounded in emerging neuroscience research, experts note that such technology is still in early stages and not fully proven for consumer use.

Techniques like tFUS have been studied in controlled environments, but their effectiveness and safety for inducing lucid dreams on demand remain under investigation.

The claim that users can reliably control dreams using a wearable device is therefore viewed with caution. Scientists emphasise that more peer-reviewed research and clinical validation are needed before such products can be widely accepted.

Prophetic AI has announced two models with different pricing tiers.

The entry-level Dual device is priced at $449 (approximately ₹42,000-₹43,000) and is expected to begin shipping by the end of this year.

The more advanced Phase model is priced at $1,299 (around ₹1.2 lakh) and is scheduled for release in mid-2027.

Both devices appear similar in design based on the company's website, though the higher-end model is expected to include more advanced features and capabilities.

The launch reflects a broader trend of increasing interest in brain-computer interface technologies and wearable devices that interact directly with neural activity.

Companies across the world are exploring ways to use sensors, AI, and stimulation techniques to enhance cognition, improve sleep, and treat neurological conditions.

For instance, Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, is working on implantable brain chips that can interpret and influence neural signals, although its focus is primarily medical.

Prophetic AI's approach, however, targets consumer experiences, aiming to make dream control accessible to the general public.

While the idea of controlling dreams is appealing, experts urge users to approach such claims carefully. The human brain is highly complex, and interventions during sleep carry both potential benefits and risks.

Consumers are advised to look for scientific evidence, regulatory approvals, and independent testing before adopting such technologies.

Prophetic AI's dream-control wearable represents an ambitious step in the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and neuroscience. If proven effective, it could open new possibilities in sleep research, mental health, and personal experiences.

However, until the technology is rigorously validated, it remains a promising but unproven innovation. For now, the idea of controlling dreams with a gadget sits somewhere between science and speculation — capturing imagination while awaiting scientific confirmation.