A new investigational implantable brain-computer interface (iBCI) typing neuroprosthesis, developed by investigators from Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute and Brown University, has demonstrated the ability to restore rapid and accurate communication for patients with paralysis. The findings of this study were published in Nature Neuroscience.
This new iBCI typing neuroprosthesis has demonstrated the ability to restore rapid and accurate communication for patients with paralysis.
The device addresses a significant challenge for individuals with severe speech and motor impairments, who often rely on slower methods like eye-gaze technology for communication. The BrainGate team, a collaborative effort from multiple institutions, aims to develop improved communication and mobility tools for individuals with neurological conditions, injuries, or limb loss.
How the iBCI Typing Neuroprosthesis Works
The system utilizes microelectrode sensors implanted in the motor cortex, the brain region responsible for movement. A QWERTY keyboard is displayed, with each letter linked to specific finger movements (up, down, or curled). As participants attempt these intuitive finger movements, the electrodes detect the brain's electrical activity. This activity is then translated by a computer system into letters. A predictive language model further refines the output to ensure cohesive and accurate communication.
Study Results
Two clinical trial participants, one with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and another with a cervical spinal cord injury, used the new iBCI typing neuroprosthesis.
- Participants calibrated their devices using as few as 30 sentences.
- Both participants used the device in their own homes, indicating its potential for at-home use and future translation.
One participant achieved a top typing speed of 110 characters, or 22 words per minute. The word error rate was 1.6%, which is comparable to able-bodied typing accuracy.
Researchers note that decoding these finger movements also represents progress toward restoring complex reach and grasp functions for individuals with upper extremity paralysis. Future enhancements could include personalized keyboard layouts to increase typing speed further.