The Future of Brain-Computer Interfaces: Synchron's Revolutionary Technology

Imagine being able to communicate with others, control devices, and even navigate through spaces without relying on traditional methods. Welcome to the world of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), where technology is merging with neuroscience to create a new era of human-machine interaction. At the forefront of this revolution is Synchron, a pioneering company that has been developing innovative BCI solutions for individuals with disabilities.

Tom Oxley, Synchron's founding CEO, and Mark, one of only 10 people in the world who have been implanted with synchron's brain computer interface (BCI) as part of clinical trials, are the perfect example of what this technology can achieve. Mark, an ALS patient, was diagnosed with the condition that affects his ability to use his hands. Synchron's BCI is designed to make it easier for people like Mark to continue using their phones, computers, and other devices independently by connecting those devices directly to their brains.

The synchron BCI is a revolutionary device that allows users to control their surroundings with their thoughts. It is implanted inside a blood vessel near the brain's motor cortex, the part of our brain that controls our movements. To make a click or a selection with the Synchron BCI, users think about moving and the device interprets those thoughts and transmits them wirelessly to take the desired action on the user's device.

One of the coolest aspects of synchron's BCI is its ability to integrate AI and machine learning algorithms to enhance communication and interaction. The addition of AI is seen as a way to make conversation through these devices faster by taking in the relevant context, like what was last said in a conversation, and anticipating answers a person might want to respond with rather than typing out individual words.

The AI model has been experimented with for about a year, but the release of chat GPT 40 in May raised some interesting new possibilities. The company has been experimenting with different AI models, and the latest update only required a software update for synchron, so there's no need to change the hardware or get new implants.

Synchron is not tied down to any particular large language model in the fast-moving field of AI; instead, they want to enable their users to engage in natural speeds of conversations often people with disabilities or motor impairment are left behind. The company wants to bring them back into the conversation using digital means.

The process of implanting synchron's BCI is relatively straightforward. The device is inserted into a blood vessel near the brain's motor cortex without the need for open brain surgery. This makes it an attractive option for individuals who may not be suitable candidates for more invasive procedures.

One fun fact about synchron's BCI is that it's based on pre-existing medical technologies like stents and catheters, allowing it to be inserted into the brain with minimal risk or discomfort. The company hopes to make a significant impact in the world of medicine, particularly in the field of paralysis.

The cost of synchron's BCI is estimated to be between $50,000 to $100,000, which is comparable to other implanted devices like cardiac pacemakers or cochlear implants. However, Synchron aims to bring high-quality, implantable brain computer interfaces that can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

The process may take several more years, but synchron's BCI is already making an impact. Mark uses his BCI to control various aspects of his daily life, including navigating through spaces and communicating with others. As Mark notes, "I wake up with two choices in the morning: I can wallow in self-pity because of my situation or I can do something about it."

As we look to the future, Synchron's BCI is a testament to what human innovation and technology can achieve when combined. The company's mission is to enable individuals with disabilities to engage in natural speeds of conversations, make their own choices, and live more independently. With its cutting-edge technology and commitment to user-centered design, Synchron is poised to revolutionize the way we interact with machines and each other.

Mark shares his thoughts on using synchron's BCI: "It's an amazing realization that the mind can do what we're doing with it probably." Mark has experienced firsthand the benefits of synchron's BCI, which he believes will change people's lives. As Mark notes, "I'm one of only 10 people in the world who have been implanted with synchron's brain computer interface."

The future of BCIs looks bright, and Synchron is at the forefront of this revolution. With its innovative technology and commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, Synchron is poised to make a lasting impact on humanity.

As we explore the world of BCIs, it's essential to understand the potential and limitations of these technologies. While synchron's BCI has shown remarkable promise, there are still many questions to be answered about its long-term effects, safety, and efficacy. However, with ongoing research and development, Synchron is pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

The story of Mark and Synchron's BCI serves as a reminder that technology can be a powerful tool for improving human lives. By merging neuroscience and machine learning, we can create new possibilities for communication, interaction, and independence. As we look to the future, it's clear that synchron's BCI will play a significant role in shaping the world of BCIs.

The impact of Synchron's BCI will be felt far beyond its users; it will also inspire new generations of researchers, engineers, and innovators. The company's commitment to user-centered design and collaboration with clinicians has set a high standard for the industry.

As we conclude our journey into the world of synchron's BCI, we are reminded that technology is not just about machines; it's about people, their needs, and their potential. Synchron's innovative approach to brain-computer interfaces holds tremendous promise for improving human lives and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthis brain implant is now powered in part by chat GPT it's designed to help people living with paralysis communicate faster easier and more independently on their digital devices using only their thoughts we spoke with synchron's founding CEO Tom Oxley and pioneering patient Mark who is featured in the demo video to find out what it's like to use where the integration of AI and brain implants may be headed and what comes next it's an amazing realization that the mind can do what we're doing with it probably the coolest thing I've ever been involved with Mark is one of only 10 people in the world who have been implanted with synchron's brain computer interface BCI for short as part of the company's clinical trials I'm an ALS patient currently I was diagnosed in 20121 to use to my hands is almost gone synchron's BCI is designed to make it easier for people like Mark to continue using their phones computers and other devices independently by connecting those devices directly to their brains I can talk to you with my thoughts the addition of AI is seen as a way to make communication through these devices Faster by taking in the relevant context like what was last said in a conversation and anticipating answers a person might want to respond with rather than typing out individual words it will give me options for parts of sentences and with one click I've got all that filled in Mark has a refresh button he can use if he doesn't like his AI answers and he's noticed that through using using the AI it seems to have gotten better at providing options more in line with things he might say every once in a while it'll drop an F bomb which I kind of tend to do occasionally so synchron CEO Tom Oxley tells me the company has been experimenting with different AI models for about a year but the release of chat GPT 40 in May raised some interesting new possibilities opening I showed a man that was vision impaired using the system to navigate around the road it's heading away on the left side of the road get ready to wave it down you could use audio and visual and text and they can receive them all at once to present to you what's the next thing that you want to do and I'm predicting it's this based upon the information cuz I could hear what your partner was just saying I saw the text message just come in and then the BCI navigates around the prompts and then chooses which prompt for the next move Oxley says that the chat GPT integration only required a software update for synchron so there's no need to change the hardware or get new implants we're trying to bring all of the inferencing and and compute out of the body so that we can continue to offer upgrades Oxley also says the company isn't tied down to any particular large language model in the fast moving field of AI the systems that best serve the needs of their patients is what synchron will adopt we want to enable our users to engage in natural speeds of conversations often people who have disability or motor impairment are left behind we want to bring them back into the conversation using digital means stare at it and think about moving for a long time and it'll start zooming in yeah and release so you made a click your first click with your brain what synchron's BCI is implanted inside a blood vessel near the brain's motor cortex the part of our brain that controls our movements in order to make a click or a selection with the synchron BCI users think about moving and the BCI interprets those thoughts and transmits them wirelessly to take the desired action on the user's device what the fun fact synchron's BCI is unique in that it's based on pre-existing medical Technologies like Sten and catheters allowing it to be inserted into the brain without the need for open brain surgery imagine having to ask someone to pick up your phone to write a message or do something you're always having to go through the lens of another person one of the big goals is to be able to utilize the technology on their own I would encourage anybody who sees this video that may be in a similar situation where they are paralyzed or can't use their arms There's Hope coming synchron's BCI is expected to cost between $50 to $100,000 that's comparable with the cost of other implanted devices like cardiac pacemakers or colear implants there haven't yet been any implantable brain computer interfaces that have earned Market approval from the FDA something synchron hopes to change while the process may take several more years synchron St D Ro BCI is already making an impact I wake up with two choices in the morning I can wallow in self-pity because of my situation or I can do something about it not going to be a cure but whatever I can do to help others I think that's why we're here to see a video of synchron's implant process and how it gets into the brain without open brain surgery check out this video right here and subscribe to CET for the latest and greatest Tech news as always thanks so much for watching I'm your host Jesse oral see you next time with the famthis brain implant is now powered in part by chat GPT it's designed to help people living with paralysis communicate faster easier and more independently on their digital devices using only their thoughts we spoke with synchron's founding CEO Tom Oxley and pioneering patient Mark who is featured in the demo video to find out what it's like to use where the integration of AI and brain implants may be headed and what comes next it's an amazing realization that the mind can do what we're doing with it probably the coolest thing I've ever been involved with Mark is one of only 10 people in the world who have been implanted with synchron's brain computer interface BCI for short as part of the company's clinical trials I'm an ALS patient currently I was diagnosed in 20121 to use to my hands is almost gone synchron's BCI is designed to make it easier for people like Mark to continue using their phones computers and other devices independently by connecting those devices directly to their brains I can talk to you with my thoughts the addition of AI is seen as a way to make communication through these devices Faster by taking in the relevant context like what was last said in a conversation and anticipating answers a person might want to respond with rather than typing out individual words it will give me options for parts of sentences and with one click I've got all that filled in Mark has a refresh button he can use if he doesn't like his AI answers and he's noticed that through using using the AI it seems to have gotten better at providing options more in line with things he might say every once in a while it'll drop an F bomb which I kind of tend to do occasionally so synchron CEO Tom Oxley tells me the company has been experimenting with different AI models for about a year but the release of chat GPT 40 in May raised some interesting new possibilities opening I showed a man that was vision impaired using the system to navigate around the road it's heading away on the left side of the road get ready to wave it down you could use audio and visual and text and they can receive them all at once to present to you what's the next thing that you want to do and I'm predicting it's this based upon the information cuz I could hear what your partner was just saying I saw the text message just come in and then the BCI navigates around the prompts and then chooses which prompt for the next move Oxley says that the chat GPT integration only required a software update for synchron so there's no need to change the hardware or get new implants we're trying to bring all of the inferencing and and compute out of the body so that we can continue to offer upgrades Oxley also says the company isn't tied down to any particular large language model in the fast moving field of AI the systems that best serve the needs of their patients is what synchron will adopt we want to enable our users to engage in natural speeds of conversations often people who have disability or motor impairment are left behind we want to bring them back into the conversation using digital means stare at it and think about moving for a long time and it'll start zooming in yeah and release so you made a click your first click with your brain what synchron's BCI is implanted inside a blood vessel near the brain's motor cortex the part of our brain that controls our movements in order to make a click or a selection with the synchron BCI users think about moving and the BCI interprets those thoughts and transmits them wirelessly to take the desired action on the user's device what the fun fact synchron's BCI is unique in that it's based on pre-existing medical Technologies like Sten and catheters allowing it to be inserted into the brain without the need for open brain surgery imagine having to ask someone to pick up your phone to write a message or do something you're always having to go through the lens of another person one of the big goals is to be able to utilize the technology on their own I would encourage anybody who sees this video that may be in a similar situation where they are paralyzed or can't use their arms There's Hope coming synchron's BCI is expected to cost between $50 to $100,000 that's comparable with the cost of other implanted devices like cardiac pacemakers or colear implants there haven't yet been any implantable brain computer interfaces that have earned Market approval from the FDA something synchron hopes to change while the process may take several more years synchron St D Ro BCI is already making an impact I wake up with two choices in the morning I can wallow in self-pity because of my situation or I can do something about it not going to be a cure but whatever I can do to help others I think that's why we're here to see a video of synchron's implant process and how it gets into the brain without open brain surgery check out this video right here and subscribe to CET for the latest and greatest Tech news as always thanks so much for watching I'm your host Jesse oral see you next time with the fam\n"