In a groundbreaking technological innovation, a 64-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was able to control Amazon’s Alexa using only his thoughts. The technology, developed by Synchron, a brain-computer interface company, involved implanting a device in the patient’s brain. This implant, located in a blood vessel on the brain’s surface, allowed the man, identified as Mark, to mentally “tap” icons on an Amazon Fire tablet.
Mark, living with ALS—a degenerative disease causing muscle weakness and paralysis—used the implant to perform daily tasks such as making video calls, streaming music, controlling smart devices, and shopping online. The ability to control his environment through mental commands restored a sense of independence for Mark.
The test demonstrates how brain-computer interfaces could revolutionize the way individuals with physical limitations interact with smart technology. According to Tom Oxley, CEO of Synchron, this advancement allows users to manage devices like lights, thermostats, and cameras without using their hands or voice, marking a significant leap forward in smart home technology.
Synchron’s achievement is part of a larger effort in the tech world to connect brains with computers. Companies like Elon Musk’s Neuralink are also working on similar technology. In January, Neuralink successfully installed a brain implant in a paralyzed man, with plans to expand testing as the technology evolves.
This innovation highlights the growing potential of brain-computer interfaces to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing greater control and autonomy over their environments.
