This brain implant allows users to control Alexa without speaking
Mark, a 64-year-old man living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has successfully used a brain-computer interface (BCI) to control Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa. The innovative BCI was developed by Synchron, a start-up specializing in neuroprosthetic technology. This breakthrough marks the first time an individual has been able to operate Alexa using a BCI, without verbal or physical interaction.
Synchron's BCI aims to restore freedom of expression
Synchron's CEO, Thomas Oxley, emphasized the company's mission to restore some degree of freedom to patients like Mark. "People with paralysis lose their freedom of expression," he said. The integration of Synchron's BCI system with consumer technology is a significant step toward achieving this goal.
It has been tested in early-stage studies
Synchron is among several companies, including Elon Musk's Neuralink, striving to commercialize BCIs. Despite decades of research, no company has yet received regulatory approval for a BCI. Synchron has implanted its BCI in six people in the US, and four in Australia as part of early-stage studies, and is preparing to initiate a larger trial with more participants.
BCI allows control of multiple devices and applications
Mark has been able to use the BCI to operate an iPhone, iPad, and a computer with his thoughts alone. The recent integration with Alexa enables him to perform tasks such as turning lights on or off, watching TV, making video calls, playing music, controlling his Ring security camera, reading Kindle books and shopping on Amazon.
It also connects to OpenAI's ChatGPT
In addition to Alexa, Synchron has also integrated its BCI with OpenAI's ChatGPT and the Apple Vision Pro, a mixed-reality headset. These devices connect to Mark's BCI via Bluetooth. A field engineer from Synchron visits Mark twice a week at his home in Pennsylvania, as he practices using his BCI.
Synchron's BCI is a minimally invasive brain implant
Synchron's BCI is a mesh stent dotted with electrodes that collect the neural signals. It is inserted into the jugular vein at the base of the neck, in a minimally invasive procedure. Once implanted, it sits against the motor cortex, an area of the brain that controls voluntary movement. The device is designed to detect and wirelessly transmit movement intentions from the brain, enabling paralyzed individuals to control personal devices hands-free.
