US patient makes history by controlling Alexa with brain implant
Mark uses brain implant to control Alexa, gaining newfound independence
A US patient with ALS has made history by becoming the first person to control Amazon’s Alexa using a brain implant.
Synchron, a brain-computer interface (BCI) company, revealed that a patient named Mark successfully used his thoughts to manage his surroundings.
Mark, 64, suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a condition that leads to progressive muscle weakness and paralysis.
Using the Tap to Alexa feature on his Amazon Fire tablet, he could control his smart home directly with his mind. Tasks he can perform without using his hands or voice include switching lights on and off, making video calls, playing music, and watching shows—typical uses for Alexa users.
A patient with a degenerative disease was able to command Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant with his mind, the company behind the technological innovation announced Monday, letting him stream shows and control devices with only his thoughts.
Read more: https://t.co/3XMu9oqWqe… pic.twitter.com/HkgiVQR3iT
— Business Recorder (@brecordernews) September 17, 2024
Mark expressed his enthusiasm for the technology, stating, “The integration with smart technology and my BCI is something I’m really excited about.
“It’s hard to imagine living in our modern world without the ability to access or control connected devices like Amazon’s Alexa and Echo products that are so prevalent in my daily life.”
Mark added this technology has given him newfound freedom and independence, and he is participating in a trial with Synchron to ease the daily challenges faced by people with paralysis.
｢ Synchron BCI to integrate with Alexa ｣
controlling of smart-home appliances hands-free is enabled through “tap-to-alexa” amazon fire tablet
– device by @synchroninc is minimally invasive, implanted endovascularly (like stents, through blood vessels)
– user, Mark, a… https://t.co/9hZZ4OFyma pic.twitter.com/5YgVs0TX1U— Pavel Larionov (@pa1ar) September 17, 2024
Tom Oxley, CEO and Founder of Synchron, commented, “Synchron’s BCI is bridging the gap between neurotechnology and consumer tech, making it possible for people with paralysis to regain control of their environment.”
“While many smart home systems rely on voice or touch, we are sending control signals directly from the brain, bypassing the need for these inputs.”
However, Mark is not the first to use a brain implant for such functions. Earlier in March, Noland Arbaugh, paralysed from the neck down, received an implant from Elon Musk’s neurotechnology startup, Neuro Link.
This implant enables paralysed patients to operate digital devices with their thoughts. Arbaugh, 30, even played Mario Kart via the implant, competing against his father.
These advancements highlight the significant progress in artificial intelligence, helping individuals with disabilities achieve greater autonomy.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NYPost reports on a neurotech company’s brain implant enabling an ALS patient to control Amazon’s Alexa with his thoughts, marking a groundbreaking medical innovation. (Read more)
- Interesting Engineering describes Synchron’s breakthrough in ALS patient Mark using a brain chip to control Alexa via thoughts, enhancing independence and accessibility in home automation. (Read more)
- Fortune reports a 64-year-old ALS patient controls Amazon’s Alexa with a brain implant, regaining independence through mental commands and device control. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is the first person to control Alexa with a brain chip?
Mark, a 64-year-old ALS patient in the US.
What company developed the brain-computer interface used by Mark?
Synchron, a brain-computer interface (BCI) company.
What tasks can Mark perform using his brain chip and Alexa?
Mark can control lights, make video calls, play music, and watch shows.
What disease does Mark have that led to this technological intervention?
Mark is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
How does Synchron’s BCI help people with paralysis?
Synchron’s BCI sends control signals directly from the brain, bypassing the need for voice or touch.
