Matthews’ Cyberkinetics Brain Interface

Matthew Nagle is a 25-year-old quadriplegic with unique kinetic capabilities, thanks to a small sensor chip implanted in his brain. The BrainGate Neural Interface System lets Matthew control the computer with just his thoughts.

Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems is testing the BrainGate system to help the severely disabled communicate directly with a PC. With an internal sensor implanted in the skull, the unit is connected to an external processor that converts the brain signals to digital ones. Matthew is one of Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems’ first human testers and with the device, he can once again gain control over his environment.

Matthew is able to control the computer cursor across the screen by thinking about moving his arm. The computer enables him to control his television, write email and even play games on his computer.

In the future, Cyberkinetics BrainGate will give full environmental control to the users. But the next task for Matthew will be to work on four or five simulated gestures, such as executing keystrokes. “Eventually we will have built for him the equivalent of a game controller,” says Tim Surgenor, president and CEO of Cyberkinetics, “and he will be able to do a lot of things.”

Source: PC Magazine