Synchron, a neurotech startup backed by prominent figures like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, is making waves with its brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. One individual benefiting from this innovation is a 64-year-old man named Mark, who has been using Synchron's BCI to control devices such as his laptop and phone.
Mark, who has ALS, a degenerative disease that affects muscle control, has found the BCI to be a valuable tool in helping him communicate and maintain some independence. The latest development from Synchron involves integrating OpenAI's AI models to create a generative chat feature for BCI patients like Mark. This feature allows users to input text, audio, and images, generating prompts to facilitate easier and more natural communication.
Synchron's CEO, Thomas Oxley, emphasizes the importance of selecting AI models that best support the needs of patients like Mark. While Synchron is currently utilizing OpenAI's technology, the company is open to exploring other partnerships in the future. It's worth noting that Synchron does not share any brain data with OpenAI.
BCIs have been a topic of interest in both academic and commercial settings, with companies like Neuralink, Paradromics, and Precision Neuroscience also working on developing and commercializing BCI systems. Synchron's less invasive approach to implanting the BCI sets it apart from competitors and has garnered attention from investors like Gates and Bezos.
As Mark continues to navigate life with ALS, he finds solace in using Synchron's BCI to communicate with loved ones and engage in activities that bring him joy. Despite the challenges he faces, the BCI technology has given Mark a sense of purpose and connection to something greater than himself.
While the commercialization of BCI technology is still in its early stages, companies like Synchron are paving the way for a future where individuals with conditions like ALS can maintain their autonomy and quality of life through innovative solutions.