Neuralink Breakthrough: ALS Patient Finds New Voice Through Advanced Brain Implant

Neuralink Breakthrough: ALS Patient Finds New Voice Through Advanced Brain Implant

Imagine losing your ability to speak or move, yet still having so much to express. For Brad G. Smith, this became a harsh reality after his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS. This progressive disease targets the nerves that control voluntary muscle movement, resulting in significant communication challenges.

However, a groundbreaking innovation by Neuralink has changed Smith’s life. Through a sophisticated brain implant, he can now communicate using only his thoughts.

Prior to receiving the Neuralink device, Smith relied on eye-tracking technology to convey messages. Although this technology demonstrated impressive capabilities, it had considerable limitations. “It is a miracle of technology, but it is frustrating. It works best in dark rooms, so I was basically Batman. I was stuck in a dark room,” Smith shared in a recent post on social media. Bright environments disrupted the system, slowing down communication and, at times, rendering it impossible. Now, with the Neuralink implant, Smith can navigate outdoor lighting without issues.

Third Patient to Receive Neuralink BCI

Smith is not only the first non-verbal individual but also the third person worldwide to receive the Neuralink Brain-Computer Interface, or BCI. This device, approximately the thickness of five stacked coins, is embedded in his skull and connects to the motor cortex, the section of the brain responsible for movement.

Through tiny wires that are thinner than human hair, the device collects signals from Smith’s neurons and transmits them wirelessly to his MacBook Pro. This connection allows Smith to control a cursor on the screen purely through thought.

As Smith explains, “The Neuralink implant embedded in my brain contains 1,024 electrodes that capture neuron firings every 15 milliseconds, generating an extensive amount of data. Artificial intelligence processes this data on a connected MacBook Pro to decode my intended movements in real time, allowing the cursor on my screen to move accordingly. Neuralink does not read my deepest thoughts but instead interprets my desired movements. “

Learning the System

Initially, adapting to the system involved a fair amount of trial and error. The team first attempted to map Smith’s hand movements to the cursor; however, it did not yield satisfactory results. After further investigation, they discovered that signals related to his tongue worked most effectively for cursor navigation, while clenching his jaw provided a reliable click action. “I am not actively thinking about my tongue, just like you don’t think about your wrist when you move a mouse. I have performed many cursor movements throughout my life. I think my brain has switched over to subconscious control quickly, so I just think about moving the cursor,” Smith stated.

New Opportunities for Interaction

With the Neuralink implant, Smith has discovered new methods to connect with his family and the wider world. Remarkably, he can play video games like Mario Kart with his children and communicate far more quickly than ever before. The system includes a virtual keyboard and offers shortcuts for common tasks, making copying, pasting, and navigating web pages significantly easier.

Furthermore, Smith collaborated with Neuralink engineers to introduce a