A Neuralink Rival Just Tested a Brain Implant in a Person
1 min read
Summary
Paradromics is a brain-computer interface (BCI) start-up that has successfully tested its product Connexus, with human patients.
The Austin-based company aims to use the BCI to help restore speech and communications for people with spinal injuries, stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The device works by translating neural signals into synthesised speech, text and cursor control.
This testing phase involved a patient undergoing brain surgery for epilepsy, during which the device was temporarily inserted.
The device is smaller than a dime, with 420 minute protruding needles that record signals from individual neurons in the brain.
Next, Paradromics plans to launch a clinical trial by year end, aiming the device at patients with paralysis.
This would involve the device being implanted long-term, with trials aimed at establishing its safety.
-BcIs work by interpreting neural signals linked to movement intentions.
Various companies are developing and researching BCIs as part of an emerging and promising new market.
