Apple Teams Up with Synchron for Development
Apple is making strides in the realm of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), aiming to enable users to interact with its devices without physical movement. The tech giant has teamed up with Synchron, a medtech startup focused on implantable BCIs, to establish a new standard for this innovative technology. Currently, Synchron’s first device, which adheres to this standard, is undergoing early testing, showing promising results. This development comes alongside similar efforts from Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which is also working on implantable chips designed to allow users to control computers and robotic limbs through thought alone.
Collaboration with Synchron
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Apple is collaborating with Synchron to create a BCI that seamlessly integrates with its operating system. This partnership aims to enable users to control Apple products directly through brain signals. The first device to support this new standard is called Stentrode, which has been in development since 2019. Stentrode is a partially invasive device designed to be placed on the brain’s surface, allowing it to capture and interpret brain signals.
The technology behind BCIs is intricate, involving various scientific and technological disciplines. At its core, a BCI device functions by interpreting the electrical activity generated by neurons in the brain. When a person intends to perform an action, such as moving their arm, the brain sends signals that can be captured by the BCI. These signals are then processed and translated into commands that machines can understand. While BCIs primarily target individuals with physical disabilities, they also hold potential for cognitive enhancements.
Types of Brain-Computer Interfaces
There are three main types of BCIs: non-invasive, partially invasive, and invasive. Non-invasive BCIs can be worn as headsets, while partially invasive devices, like Synchron’s Stentrode, are placed on the brain’s surface. Invasive BCIs involve electrodes implanted directly into the brain. The degree of invasiveness affects the strength of the connection to the neurons, with more invasive systems providing a closer proximity to brain activity.
Synchron’s Stentrode has already been tested on ten volunteers, including Mark Jackson, an ALS patient who successfully connected the device to the Apple Vision Pro. This connection allowed him to control the device using his brain signals. The integration was made possible through Apple’s Switch Control feature, which enables users to switch input methods. However, it is noted that navigating through a BCI is currently slower than traditional methods like using a keyboard or mouse.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Despite the promising developments, there are challenges that Synchron must address as it continues its testing phase. The current speed of navigation using BCIs is significantly slower compared to conventional interaction methods. However, experts believe that with further advancements and refinements, these issues can be resolved. As Synchron progresses in its development of the Stentrode device, the potential for BCIs to enhance user experience and accessibility in technology remains significant.
The collaboration between Apple and Synchron marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of brain-computer interfaces. As both companies push the boundaries of technology, the future may hold exciting possibilities for how we interact with devices, potentially transforming the landscape of personal computing and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
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