Synchron Is Integrating OpenAI's Tech Into Its Implants To Revolutionize Communication For ALS Patients
AInvestTuesday, Jul 16, 2024 11:29 pm ET
1min read
SNCR --

Last week, the American brain-computer interface company Synchron announced that it will integrate OpenAI's artificial intelligence model into the chat function of its BCI platform, providing users with generative chat capabilities.

Synchron stated that the new AI chat function can receive inputs from text, audio, and images, and generate prompts for users that can be used when sending text messages, which will help users interact with the outside world more effectively and naturally.

The press release stated that a 64-year-old ALS patient named Mark became the first patient to try this feature. That was the exciting thing for me - the possibility of being able to still have independence to a degree, Mark said.

It is understood that Mark was implanted with Synchron's BCI in August 2023 and has been intermittently testing the new AI chat function for the past two months. Mark told the media that the new function can help him save valuable time and energy when sending text messages.

Using BCI requires concentration and repeated practice. Mark said that AI helps him reduce some of the pressure when replying to messages, So rather than me typing single words, I'm hitting one or two buttons or clicks if you will, and I've got the majority of a sentence done.

Mark told the media that he has already been able to use the chat function to make doctor's appointments and keep in touch with his daughters. Mark, who has worked in the flower industry for more than 20 years, also revealed that he is currently using the tool to discuss gardening with an employee of Synchron.

Synchron CEO Thomas Oxley said that the company chose OpenAI for the AI model, but he pointed out that the two companies are not exclusive partners, and Synchron will not share brain data with OpenAI.

Currently, no BCI company has obtained approval from the FDA for the commercialization of technology in the United States. Oxley said that the company is preparing for larger-scale trials with more patients, and Mark is only the company's 10th patient. But this has already taken a lead over the peers Neuralink.

In contrast, Neuralink only performed its first human surgery in January of this year. It should be noted that Neuralink's system requires a craniotomy to be implanted into the patient's brain tissue, while Synchron only needs minimally invasive surgery, which naturally carries less risk.

There are reports that Musk complained in an internal meeting last July that Synchron's product is far ahead of Neuralink's technology.

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