Synchron Has 1st Use of Brain-Computer Interface with Apple Vision Pro

Synchron revealed the first-ever use of Apple Vision Pro by a patient implanted with its brain-computer interface (BCI).

A 64-year old man named Mark with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) used his direct thoughts to control the cursor on the Apple Vision Pro. He played solitaire, watched Apple TV, and sent text messages using the Synchron BCI hands-free.

Mark is not able to use the Apple Vision Pro because of the loss of function to his upper limbs—the technology needs hand gestures to make item selections.

“This is pretty cool, I’ve been wanting to try this for a while now,” Mark told the press. “It’s like watching it in the theater, it really comes to life. Using this type of enhanced reality is so impactful and I can imagine it would be for others in my position or others who have lost the ability to engage in their day-to-day life. It can transport you to places you never thought you’d see or experience again.”

Apple Vision Pro blends digital content with the physical world, creating an infinite canvas for apps to go beyond a traditional display’s boundaries. Its 3D user interface is controlled by the user’s eyes, hands, and voice.

Synchron’s BCI is implanted through the jugular vein through a minimally invasive endovascular procedure. It’s placed in the blood vessel on the surface of the brain’s motor cortex. Once implanted, it can detect and transmit motor intent so severely paralyzed people can control personal devices with hands-free point-and-click.

Earlier this month, the company unveiled integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) powered by OpenAI into its BCI in a new chat feature.

“BCI is a platform to re-connect people with injury or disease back to the fast-moving consumer technology landscape. Vision Pro is a powerful system, but it relies on the use of hand gestures to exert control over the UI. We are sending control signals directly from the brain to replace the need for hand gestures,” said Tom Oxley, founder and CEO of Synchron. “We are moving towards a new Bluetooth standard for Human Computer Interactions that don’t require touch or speech. This is a critical unmet need for millions of people with paralysis.”