Man with ALS Controls Amazon Alexa with Brain Implants
In a breakthrough for brain-computer interface technology, a 64-year-old man with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) has successfully controlled Amazon’s Alexa using only his thoughts. This revolutionary development comes from Synchron, a brain-computer interface (BCI) company, which implanted a device in the blood vessel on the man’s brain surface.
Living with ALS, a degenerative disease that causes muscle weakness and paralysis, the patient named Mark has now regained control over his environment through mental commands. Using this brain implant, he was able to direct Alexa to perform tasks like making video calls, streaming shows, controlling smart home devices, and more.
Synchron’s technology allows patients to send control signals directly from the brain, bypassing the need for voice or physical touch. The man’s implant connected to an Amazon Fire tablet, letting him “tap” icons using only his thoughts. “To be able to manage important aspects of my environment gives me back the independence that I’m losing,” Mark said.
This innovation highlights the potential for brain-computer interfaces to empower people with physical disabilities. Companies like Synchron and Elon Musk’s Neuralink are pushing the boundaries of what BCI can achieve, opening doors for future advancements in how humans interact with technology.
