Synchron Demonstrates Thought-Controlled iPad Use by ALS Patient in Historic Public Showcase

A New York-based company specializing in brain-computer interfaces, Synchron, has unveiled a groundbreaking demonstration showcasing an ALS patient controlling an iPad solely through thoughts. This marks the first publicly available demonstration of such technology. Mark Jackson, an ALS patient participating in Synchron's FDA-approved clinical trial called COMMAND, received an implant of the Stentrode device—an electrode array placed within blood vessels to record or stimulate brain activity—earlier this year. This minimally invasive procedure enables thought-to-digital action translation without open brain surgery. Using this BCI system, Jackson can navigate his iPad's home screen, compose messages, and open applications using only his thoughts, eliminating the need for voice commands, hand movements, or eye gestures. The system integrates seamlessly with Apple's accessibility features, like Switch Control, which assigns specific actions to individual thoughts, allowing users to interact with their devices. Peter Yoo, Senior Director of Neuroscience and Algorithms at Synchron, explained that even individuals like Jackson, who cannot physically move, still generate brain signals ...