A major leap in assistive technology has emerged from New York, where a 64-year-old man diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) has become the first person to control an Amazon Alexa device using only his thoughts. This milestone was made possible by a pioneering brain-computer interface (BCI) developed by neurotechnology firm Synchron.
A New Era for Accessibility
Rather than undergoing open-brain surgery, the patient, Mark, received a minimally invasive implant placed within a blood vessel near the motor cortex — the area of the brain responsible for voluntary movement. This unique approach allowed the interface to be inserted via the jugular vein, significantly reducing risk.
The implanted device now enables Mark to interact with an Amazon Fire tablet and connected smart home devices through thought alone. He can stream movies, make calls, play music, shop online, and even read eBooks by mentally selecting icons on the screen.
From Thought to Action
Synchron’s BCI works by translating Mark’s motor intentions — his brain’s signals — into real-time digital commands. These signals are transmitted wirelessly, turning his mind into a hands-free remote for everyday tech.
“The ability to access entertainment, control my environment, and reconnect with technology gives me a sense of autonomy I thought I was losing,” said Mark, reflecting on his experience with the device.
Bridging Medical and Consumer Tech
Tom Oxley, CEO of Synchron, explained that this technology represents a new frontier in merging neurotechnology with mainstream consumer devices. “We’re bypassing voice and touch inputs entirely by transmitting control signals straight from the brain,” he said.
This development is particularly significant for people with severe mobility or speech impairments, offering a new layer of independence.
The Future of Brain Interfaces
Synchron isn’t the only player in this evolving field. Elon Musk’s company Neuralink also entered human trials in 2024, with a patient successfully using its BCI to control a computer by thought. Although Neuralink faced a technical setback when the implant partially detached from the patient’s skull, the issue was reportedly resolved.
Meanwhile, scientists in Switzerland announced a chip capable of converting thoughts to text with over 90% accuracy — further proving how fast brain-computer interface technology is evolving.
Even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now closely monitoring this emerging industry, recently hosting a workshop to evaluate how clinical outcomes for BCIs should be measured.
A New Kind of Freedom
For millions of people affected by conditions like ALS, spinal cord injuries, or severe paralysis, these innovations could redefine what it means to be independent. Thought-powered technology may soon become not just a medical tool, but a standard way to interact with the digital world.