Brain-Computer Interface Gets a Boost From AI: Patient Uses OpenAI to Text With Thoughts
A 64-year-old man named Mark, living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has spent the past year learning to control devices like his laptop and phone using a brain-computer interface (BCI). Now, thanks to OpenAI’s artificial intelligence (AI), the process has become significantly easier. Synchron, the neurotech startup behind Mark’s BCI, has incorporated OpenAI’s latest AI models into its system, creating a new generative chat feature.
Key Takeaways:
- AI-powered chat feature: This new feature enables patients to communicate more efficiently by generating prompts based on text, audio, and images.
- Increased independence for BCI users: By simplifying communication tasks, the AI chat feature helps people with paralysis maintain independence and interact with the outside world more naturally.
- Synchron’s approach: Synchron’s BCI is a stent-like device inserted through the jugular vein, making it less invasive than other BCI systems.
- The future of BCI: While still in its early stages, the industry is gaining momentum with significant investment from tech giants. Companies like Synchron, Paradromics, Precision Neuroscience, and Neuralink are actively developing and commercializing BCI technology.
Mark’s Journey With Synchron’s BCI:
Mark, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, decided to participate in Synchron’s clinical trial in hopes of retaining some independence and continuing to communicate with his loved ones. He received his BCI implant in August 2023 and has been testing the new AI chat feature for the past two months.
"You get choices of how you might respond in several different ways," Mark told CNBC. "So rather than me typing single words, I’m hitting one or two buttons or clicks, if you will, and I’ve got the majority of a sentence done."
This new feature allows him to schedule appointments, keep up with his daughters, and even have conversations about gardening with a Synchron employee.
Synchron’s Approach and Partnership with OpenAI:
Synchron CEO Thomas Oxley emphasizes the company’s "pragmatic view" in selecting AI models to support its patients’ needs. While OpenAI’s models are currently being used, Oxley clarifies that the partnership is not exclusive. Importantly, Synchron does not share any brain data with OpenAI.
"For him, it’s a preservation of autonomy," Oxley said. "The most important function of BCI is to preserve his ability to make choices."
The BCI Landscape and Synchron’s Future:
The field of BCI is experiencing significant growth with companies like Synchron, Paradromics, Precision Neuroscience, and Neuralink all vying for a position in this burgeoning market. While no company has yet received FDA approval for commercialization, Synchron’s less-invasive approach, coupled with the promising initial results, positions it as a leading player.
Synchron is currently gearing up for a larger-scale trial with more patients, hoping to further validate the efficacy of its BCI and potentially pave the way for broader adoption.
Mark’s Perspective:
For Mark, his participation in Synchron’s trial has been a source of hope and a chance to contribute to something bigger than himself. The BCI has granted him a sense of purpose, offering a path to regaining some independence and agency in his life.
"It’s an opportunity to really be part of something bigger than yourself," he said.
The Promise of BCI:
Mark’s story highlights the remarkable potential of BCI technology to improve the lives of people living with paralysis and other debilitating conditions. As BCI research and development continue, the future holds exciting possibilities for enhanced communication, mobility, and independence for those who need it most. The integration of AI into BCI systems represents a critical advancement in this field, marking a significant step toward a future where technology empowers individuals to live fulfilling lives despite physical limitations.
