Neuroimplant Enables Smart Home Control via Thought

A 64-year-old man named Mark, suffering from ALS, has managed to control electronic devices supported by Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa using a brain implant. The neurotechnology company Synchron shared a video demonstrating this achievement.

The startup is developing brain-computer interfaces (BCI) for paralyzed individuals. Previously, it integrated its solution with Apple’s mixed reality headset Vision Pro, allowing Mark to control the gadget with his thoughts.

The new video showcases the ability to interact with smart home electronic devices. The patient answered video calls and controlled the television.

In January 2021, Mark was diagnosed with ALS, a condition where patients gradually lose control over their muscles. He has difficulty moving his shoulders, arms, and hands, but can still speak and walk short distances.

BCI technology gained increased popularity following successful operations conducted by Elon Musk’s company Neuralink. In January, it implanted a brain chip in the first volunteer, Noland Arbo.

In August, it was reported that a second patient underwent surgery. Weeks later, he learned to play video games and use software for 3D object design.

However, challenges arose. About a month after the operation, some neural threads of Arbo’s device detached from the brain due to its movement during pulsation.

Unlike Neuralink, which performs brain surgery, Synchron integrates its device less invasively into a blood vessel on the surface of the motor cortex.

In July, Synchron integrated OpenAI’s AI into its BCI.

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