A great hope, translated into a system already available for the ALS patients, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and for whom it is paralyzed: the Synchronous, an American company operating in the neurotechnology and neuroscience sector, has created for the first time a brain implant which uses the brain to allow, thanks also to Alexa from Amazon, of check the house, its systems and devices, including external ones. The news had been spread only in the technical-scientific circles that revolve around neurotechnology specialists and, in particular, home theater, audio-video, security and very high-end smart homes. However, the announcement of the passage from the experimentation, which lasted a year, to the development phase was given by the authoritative magazine Hidden Wires. The magazine also showed photos of one of the patients who successfully experienced the innovation; the patient, equipped with the Brain Computer Interface (BCI), used Amazon's Alexa for the first time through the functionality of the Tap to Alexa Tablet to control your smart home.
Synchron's innovation that makes your home smart
Il BCI is implanted into blood vessels on the surface of the brain's motor cortex via the jugular vein, using a minimally invasive endovascular procedure. It can wirelessly transmit motor intent from the brain to restore function in people with severe paralysis. Users select personalized tiles on the Tap to Alexa tablet monitor that perform actions. And Alexa, without the need for voice or manual commands, allows you to control lights, appliances, video calls, play multimedia content, read books on Kindle.
Tom oxley, CEO and founder of Synchron, said that Synchron’s BCI represents the link between neurotechnology and consumer technology, enabling paralyzed people to regain control of their environment. “But unlike any other assistive device,” Oxley said, “the control signals are sent directly from the brain, bypassing the need for traditional input. We are excited to use our BCI to access Alexa capabilities, so patients can interact with devices in their homes hands-free and voice-free, using only their thoughts, addressing a critical unmet need for millions of people with mobility and voice issues.”
BCI to Control Amazon's Alexa: Here's How It Works
Ma how it works this extraordinary path of impulses? The exact working procedure of the Synchron system is described as follows:
- When you intend to move your body, your brain's control center sends a signal. A brainstem stroke can cause the motor signal to stop. Spinal cord injuries can block motor signals.
- Healthy nerve cells transmit these brain signals to the body through the spinal cord.
- Your body receives these signals and responds by moving your muscles.
- This allows us to use our fingers on a touchscreen to perform important daily tasks.
