Caring for the sick can be traumatizing a times especially when their ailment is such that impairs their communication. That is, when they cannot request for help as at when due as in the case of paralyzed patients. Some of these patients have all, combined or either of limb, sight, hearing impairment, that may be due to their inability to use those body parts. Looks like Synchron have partnered with OpenAI to provide an artificial-intelligent powered product to help such patients.
Synchron's BCI - An OpenAI-Powered Chat Feature for Paralyzed Patients
I watched a video snipet showing the development of a brain-computer interface (BCI) technology developed by Synchron and OpenAI and I smiled through to see how hope of a meaningful life has been restored to a paralyzed patient. Thanks to Artificial intelligence.
Stentrode, the a new chat feature for Synchron's brain-computer interface (BCI) technology powered by OpenAI's generative AI is an advancement that allows users with severe paralysis to interact digitally through thought alone. It offers a new communication capabilities for patients with severe paralysis. This advancement enables users to engage in text and chat interactions using only their thoughts, significantly improving their ability to communicate.
The AI-driven system generates automated prompts for real-time texting and chatting, enhancing communication for those with upper limb impairments. The BCI is minimally invasive, implanted via the jugular vein, and wirelessly transmits motor intent from the brain to digital devices, promoting hands-free control and improved autonomy.
The newly integrated feature uses OpenAI’s multimodal GPT to generate both text and audio content, facilitating more natural and real-time human-AI interactions. This is particularly beneficial for patients with neurological disorders, who often face challenges in generating complex, contextually appropriate responses. The AI can provide automated texting and chatting prompts based on the user’s emotional state and other contextual inputs, streamlining the communication process source.
Synchron’s BCI, known as the Stentrode, is implanted via a minimally invasive procedure through the jugular vein. Once in place on the motor cortex, it detects and wirelessly transmits motor intent from the brain, allowing users to control digital devices with their minds. This hands-free interaction capability is a breakthrough for individuals who have lost upper limb mobility due to conditions like ALS source.
The sample video features Mark, a patient with severe ALS, who has been using the Synchron BCI platform to maintain communication with his doctor, book appointments, and describe his pain levels. He expressed optimism about the technology, stating that it gives him hope for maintaining connections with loved ones as his disease progresses.
“As someone who will likely lose the ability to communicate as my disease progresses, this technology gives me hope that in the future I'll still have a way to easily connect with loved ones. This will be a game changer”
Synchron, founded in 2012, has received backing from tech billionaires Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos. The company’s approach contrasts with other BCI technologies, like Neuralink, by offering a less invasive implantation method. Synchron’s recent advancements position it at the forefront of BCI technology, aiming to enhance the autonomy and quality of life for millions of people with upper limb impairments
This is a novel healthcare development powered by AI and it is hoped to bring relieve to paralized patients who can afford it.