64-year-old man controls Amazon’s Alexa with his thoughts

A man with ALS has become the first to control Amazon Alexa with his thoughts, thanks to a brain implant. This breakthrough technology allows him to manage devices, stream content and do much more, enhancing independence despite his condition. New York: A man with ALS has become the first person to control an Amazon Alexa digital assistant with his thoughts, thanks to a brain implant developed by the New York-based startup Synchron.

The company, known for its medical technology innovations, has placed its brain-computer interface (BCI) into a blood vessel on the brain of Mark, a 64-year-old ALS patient. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a condition that damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, affecting motor functions. Man controls Amazon’s Alexa with his thoughts Synchron’s BCI, which was implanted through a minimally invasive procedure without open brain surgery, allows Mark to control an Amazon Fire tablet using only his thoughts, the New York Post reported.



With the implant, Mark can perform tasks such as streaming shows, making video calls, playing music, managing smart home devices, shopping online and reading books simply by mentally selecting icons on the tablet, the company said in a press release to Business Wire . The device transmits motor intent from his brain to the tablet wirelessly, enabling hands-free control. ‘Gives me back the independence that I’m losing’ Mark expressed enthusiasm about the technology, noting that it helps him maintain independence and manage his environment despite his condition.

“To be able to manage important aspects of my environment and control access to entertainment gives me back the independence that I’m losing,” he said. Synchron aims to enhance smart home automation for people with severe paralysis by integrating their BCI with consumer technology. Synchron’s CEO, Tom Oxley, emphasised that their BCI bridges the gap between neurotechnology and consumer devices, offering a solution for those who cannot use traditional voice or touch controls.

The company is excited about the potential of their technology to meet the needs of individuals with mobility and voice impairments. Click for more latest Viral news. Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9.

.