In a groundbreaking development at the intersection of neuroscience and technology, a 64-year-old patient with a degenerative disease has successfully commanded Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant using only his thoughts. This remarkable achievement, announced Monday by brain-computer interface company Synchron, marks a significant milestone in assistive technology for individuals with severe motor impairments.
A new frontier in brain-computer interfaces
The patient, identified only as Mark, suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. Using an implant placed in a blood vessel on the surface of his brain, Mark was able to mentally “tap” icons on an Amazon Fire tablet, opening up a world of possibilities for interaction with smart devices.
Regaining independence through technology
Mark’s newfound abilities include:
- Making video calls
- Playing music and streaming shows
- Controlling smart home devices (e.g., lights)
- Shopping online
- Reading books
All of these tasks were accomplished by using his mind to direct Alexa, Amazon’s popular digital assistant.
“To be able to manage important aspects of my environment and control access to entertainment gives me back the independence that I’m losing,” Mark said in a statement released by Synchron.
The technology behind the breakthrough
Synchron’s brain-computer interface technology aims to provide hands-free and voice-free control of smart home systems. Dr. Tom Oxley, founder and CEO of Synchron, explained the significance of their achievement:
“While many smart home systems rely on voice or touch, we are sending control signals directly from the brain. Patients can interact with devices in their home hands and voice-free, using only their thoughts.”
This test was specifically designed to demonstrate how customers could use their minds to control Alexa-compatible devices, including:
- Door cameras
- Smart plugs
- Thermostats
The race for brain-computer interfaces
Synchron’s breakthrough comes amid intense competition in the field of brain-computer interfaces. Several companies, including Elon Musk’s high-profile venture Neuralink, are working on similar technologies to connect human brains with computers.
Neuralink’s progress
In January, Neuralink reported installing a brain implant in a man paralyzed after a diving accident. Musk hailed the implant as a success. In July, he announced that Neuralink was moving on to a second test patient as they continue to refine their technology.
Looking ahead: The future of mind-controlled technology
As brain-computer interface technology advances, the potential applications extend far beyond controlling smart home devices. Future developments could revolutionize communication, mobility, and independence for individuals with severe motor impairments.
The success of Synchron’s test with Mark opens up new possibilities for improving the quality of life for those living with conditions like ALS. It also raises intriguing questions about the future of human-computer interaction and the potential for thought-controlled interfaces in everyday life.
As researchers and companies continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we may be witnessing the early stages of a transformative era in how humans interact with technology—an era where the power of thought alone can command the digital world around us.