In a significant development in the field of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, a competitor to Elon Musk’s Neuralink has successfully tested a brain chip in a clinical setting. This new chip aims to help people with severe disabilities control digital devices telepathically, potentially restoring a sense of autonomy and agency. The video provides an in-depth look at how two leading BCI implants operate, their varying levels of invasiveness, and the challenges they face before reaching consumers. While Neuralink’s goal is broader, aiming to augment healthy humans, current BCIs focus on medical applications such as aiding individuals with mobility impairments due to conditions like ALS or stroke.
- A rival to Elon Musk’s Neuralink has tested a brain chip that allows patients to telepathically control computers and operate prosthetics.
- The new brain chip is part of a growing industry focused on developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) for medical use, particularly for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
- Synchron, one of the leading BCI companies, has created a stent-based implant that is less invasive than traditional brain surgery and has been implanted in 10 patients as part of clinical trials.
- The implant works by picking up electrical signals corresponding to specific thoughts, which are then wirelessly transmitted to a computer and translated into digital commands.
- Another company, Precision, is testing a temporary version of its electrode array in volunteers undergoing brain surgery for other reasons, collecting data to improve the technology.
- BCIs face significant regulatory hurdles before they can be marketed, including proving safety and efficacy to the FDA and obtaining buy-in from insurers, hospitals, and prescribing physicians.
- Experts believe BCIs could start entering the market within the next decade, with potential future applications extending to treating mental health disorders like depression.
- While Musk’s vision for Neuralink extends to enhancing healthy brains, current BCI efforts are concentrated on providing solutions for individuals with medical conditions that impair mobility.
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