Synchron Demonstrates Breakthrough in Vascular BCI, Enabling ALS Patients to Control Apple Devices with Thought Alone

On August 7, Jiemian News learned that U.S.-based endovascular brain-computer interface (BCI) company Synchron recently conducted its first public demonstration, showing that a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) implanted with an endovascular BCI system could control devices such as the iPhone and iPad using only thoughts, without requiring physical movements or voice commands. This marks Apple’s recognition of brain signal interpretation as a native input modality alongside touch, keyboard, and voice.

Currently, Synchron has made progress in multiple clinical trials, achieving precise deployment and coverage of the motor cortex in the brains of six patients in the United States, enabling them to operate electronic devices through thought to send emails, shop online, and interact on social media.

Chen Tianqiao, the former richest person in mainland China, completed his investment in Synchron as early as 2021. Chen once stated, “The human brain is the final frontier and the most challenging area of research. We believe that investing in cutting-edge technology companies like Synchron can accelerate the integrated development of brain science and artificial intelligence.”

Responsible Editor: Liu Wanli SF014