In today's era of rapid technological advancement, the field of neurotechnology is undergoing a revolutionary transformation.

Recently, the neurotech startup Synchron announced two significant breakthroughs that not only bring new hope to patients with mobility issues but also demonstrate the immense potential of brain-computer interface technology combined with AI.

On July 30th local time, Synchron declared that they had successfully connected their brain-computer interface system to Apple's Vision Pro headset device. This development means that patients using their brain-computer interface technology can now control this advanced device solely through their thoughts.

Advertisement

In addition to the connection with Vision Pro, Synchron also announced a few weeks ago that they are utilizing OpenAI's latest artificial intelligence models to construct a brand-new generative chat feature for paralyzed patients.

This feature can receive text, audio, and image inputs and automatically generate prompts for patients while typing. The company stated that this will help many people with disabilities interact with the outside world more efficiently and naturally.Synchron Corporation primarily focuses on developing brain-computer interface systems, aiming to assist paralyzed patients in operating high-tech devices such as smartphones and computers through their thoughts.

Currently, the company has implanted its brain-computer interface system in 6 American patients and 4 Australian patients.

However, to commercialize this technology on a larger scale, approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States is still required.

Earlier this year, Apple launched the Vision Pro headset, which users can control through eye movements, voice commands, and gestures.

Synchron has been working hard to make this device usable for patients who are unable to speak or move their upper limbs.Thomas Oxley, CEO of Synchron, told the media that Apple's iOS accessibility platform is the best in its class, which is why the company initially focused on helping patients control devices within the Apple ecosystem.

Test subject feedback:

64-year-old Mark is one of the first users to experience Synchron's technology. He underwent the implantation surgery of Synchron's brain-computer interface system in August 2023.

He suffers from a degenerative disease called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which gradually causes patients to lose control of their muscles.

Mark was diagnosed in January 2021. He lost control of part of his body, such as his shoulders, arms, and hands, but he can speak and walk short distances. Mark goes to Synchron twice a week for two hours each time to practice using various skills and functions of the brain-computer interface.Since April of this year, Mark has been intermittently testing the Vision Pro headset. He is now able to send messages, play card games, and watch TV with it. He told the media: "Controlling Vision Pro with a brain-computer interface is not much different from controlling an iPhone, iPad, and computer."

"This provides me with another way to experience independence," Mark said in a media interview. For example, he can no longer lift his arm to paint, so he is learning how to create art with Vision Pro. He also enjoys using an app that allows him to observe constellations in the sky.

Regarding Synchron's generative AI chat feature, Mark said it has greatly saved his time and energy when sending messages. Using the brain-computer interface system requires concentration and a lot of practice, so the AI function helps to alleviate some of the pressure when replying to messages.

"You can choose from several different reply options," he said, "so instead of typing word by word, I just need to click a button or two to complete most of the sentence."

Mark can use the chat function to schedule appointments with doctors and stay in touch with his daughters. Previously, he had over 20 years of experience in the flower industry, and not long ago, he also used this tool to discuss gardening topics with a Synchron employee who has a hobby in flowers.The Brain-Computer Interface Industry is Rapidly Developing

In the past few decades, although scholars have been continuously researching in the direction of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), the commercialization progress in this field has been relatively slow.

Synchron's BCI system uses a stent-like device that is inserted through the patient's jugular vein, eliminating the need for open brain surgery. It is ultimately delivered to the blood vessels located on the surface of the motor cortex of the brain.

This device is connected to antennas under the skin of the chest, which are responsible for collecting raw brain data and transmitting it to external devices.

Founded in 2012, Synchron is in an increasingly competitive industry, with other competitors including Elon Musk's Neuralink, as well as Paradromics, Precision Neuroscience, and Blackrock Neurotech, which are also actively developing similar systems, although their designs and business objectives vary.It is worth noting that among well-known billionaires and entrepreneurs, Musk is not the only one paying attention to this field.

In December 2022, Synchron announced that it had completed a $75 million financing round, which included funds from the investment companies of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Synchron's CEO, Thomas, stated to the media that the combination with Vision Pro demonstrated how brain-computer interfaces could help paralyzed patients use consumer-grade products.

"This represents the beginning of a new treatment option aimed at restoring patients' ability to use digital technology that we take for granted," he said.

For patient Mark, mastering brain-computer interface technology has given him a goal to strive for. Although ALS is a 100% fatal disease, he hopes to help future patients with this condition by participating in this research.Now, Synchron is actively advancing towards larger-scale clinical research, and Mark hopes that his experience with the headset can improve the experience of others.

Predictably, brain-computer interface technology will continue to evolve and improve. We also look forward to seeing more patients like him regain some independence and improve their quality of life thanks to this technology.