Search Here

Brain-computer technologies similar to Neuralink by Elon Musk are emerging as the need for human-machine interaction increases.

Neuralink Sets the Stage

Neuralink's Telepathy, a cutting-edge brain implant, showcased a paralyzed man playing chess using only his mind, demonstrating remarkable advancements. Synchron, with support from Gates and Bezos, has already implanted its device in ten patients, signaling progress toward larger trials.

Other companies like Paradromics and Precision Neuroscience are also developing brain-computer interfaces, showing promising developments in aiding those with physical limitations and expanding the possibilities of human-machine interaction.

Other Companies Join In

More companies are now exhibiting diverse approaches to developing brain-computer interfaces, offering various levels of invasiveness and potential applications.

Neuralink and Paradromics

Both companies focus on penetrating the cortex for higher resolution. Neuralink's device uses electrodes that penetrate the cortex to capture high-resolution brain activity, aiming to decode speech and enhance the mind. Paradromics also aims for high resolution but has not yet tested its highest-bandwidth interface in humans.

Blackrock Neurotech

While widely used, Blackrock's device may have lower bandwidth than Neuralink. Its Utah array, implanted in many since 2004, forms the basis of its MoveAgain device, but its bandwidth might be limited compared to Neuralink's.

Synchron

The company uses a Stentrode delivery method to avoid open brain surgery, but this limits data capture. While the device is less invasive, its placement above the brain limits the amount of data it can capture, potentially affecting its ability to decode complex brain activity. Synchron's first success consisted of patients being able to type 16 characters per minute.

Precision Neuroscience

This newcomer uses a thin, flexible electrode array that resembles a piece of Scotch tape and can be placed on top of the cortex through a small incision. The company launched its first human trials in 2021, showcasing its innovative and less invasive approach.

Motif Neurotech

Motif Neurotech focuses on developing a skull-penetrating device for mood disorders, showing initial success in stimulating hand movement. The company's approach highlights a unique application of brain-computer interfaces beyond traditional motor function restoration.

Improving Lives

These companies' varied approaches highlight the evolving landscape of brain-computer interfaces, each offering unique advantages and challenges in their quest to enhance human-machine interactions and improve the lives of people with neurological disorders.