A mechanism is provided in a data processing system comprising a processor and a memory. The memory comprises instructions which are executed by the processor to cause the processor to be specifically configured to implement a recognizer module for detecting user input in a cognitive environment. The recognizer module receives sensor signals from at least one wearable device being worn by a user. The recognizer module analyzes the sensor signals using a machine learning model to determine at least one user input indicator describing user input activity of the user. The recognizer module communicates the at least one user input indicator to a cognitive system executing within the cognitive environment. The cognitive system performs at least one cognitive action based on the at least one user input indicator.