Synchron, a New York-based company is working on a brain-computer interface (BCI) technology that allows patients to control iPhones and iPads hands-free, by simply using their minds, reveals a report by Semafor.
The device is called Synchron Switch and it converts the thoughts of people suffering from paralysis into action. It works with the help of a bunch of sensors dubbed Strentrode that is inserted into the top of the brain via a blood vessel and is controlled wirelessly with the help of a Synchron Switch that¡¯s at the patient¡¯s chest.
As of now, the device is being used by six patients. Rodney Gorham -- a retired software salesman in Australia suffering from ALS -- is the first one to try this out with an Apple product. Gorham is able to control his iPad using the switch and even send single-worded text messages.
The company is the first to receive approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to run clinical trials on a computer-brian implant. The company also pays back the cost of surgery, involved in inserting and maintaining the device.
Tom Oxley, Synchron¡¯s co-founder and CEO said in a statement, ¡°We're excited about iOS and Apple products because they're so ubiquitous. And this would be the first brain switch input into the device.¡±
According to Oxley, the skills necessary to implant the sensor is a common procedure, requiring neurosurgery. He highlights that if the FDA approves the device for widespread use, it could help make computer-brain implants more ubiquitous, especially among people suffering from disabilities.
Keep visiting?Indiatimes.com?for the latest?science and technology?news??