Brain Computer Interface for Restoring Communication Function to Launch in 2022

A brain computer interface (BCI) platform (Blackrock Neurotech, Salt Lake City, UT) is planned to  launch in 2022. With this system, restoring communication is possible for disabled individuals with paralysis caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or spinal cord injuries. Using this implanted interface, individuals will be able to create text by imagining themselves typing or writing by hand.

The BCI platform has been shown to enable much faster rates of thought-to-text typing with higher accuracy than previously demonstrated by other BCI applications to date. The decoders enable typing speeds of up to 90 characters per minute, with 94% thought-to-text live accuracy. There is also an accuracy of up to 99% with post-processing auto-correction work.  

"This is the first step towards providing people with limited communication ability the opportunity to communicate more effectively," said Florian Solzbacher, chairman and president of Blackrock Neurotech. "The Stanford studies have demonstrated remarkable restoration of communication function, up to 10 times faster than other BCI communication decoding options. The eventual goal is to enable communication functions on par with (non-disabled individuals). The progress is truly incredible."

The BCI platform is an implant with software, and a decoder. As the individual is thinking, electrodes implanted in the brain read the electrical firing patterns of neurons and send those signals through a bundle of 5 patented machine learning software decoders. The decoder algorithms have the ability to recognize and translate symbols, virtual keyboard and handwriting movements from thought patterns into communicable text. This platform could also enable individuals to control a screen cursor, chair, vehicle, robotic arm or manipulator, and type speech or program shortcuts into a keyboard.

"We are thrilled that commercialization is now possible. Not only is there sufficient data to support the first applications, but more importantly, patients are asking for the product," says Marcus Gerhardt, chief executive officer of Blackrock Neurotech. "We hope this device is just the first of many advancements in helping patients regain independence and overcome limitations posed by their disability."