Neuralink has connected its neuroimplant to an iPhone. The Bloom app converts brain signals into synthesized speech and transmits it into a call so that a person who cannot speak can call loved ones. The new function was tested on a person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) during a 72-hour session at his home, iXBT reports. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Speech restoration study
The participant in the speech restoration study with ALS lost the ability to move and speak. The Bloom app transmits speech synthesized from brain signals into the audio channel of a call on the iPhone. The person can call loved ones and use other phone functions, such as ordering food. At the beginning of a conversation, the system can automatically turn on a greeting: it explains to the interlocutor that the call is coming through an auxiliary communication device.
Grok AI agent connected to the implant
Engineers connected the Grok AI agent to the implant. The participant mentally says "Hey, Neuralink," formulates a task, and Grok controls the computer's operating system and performs the necessary actions. The system has learned to understand on its own that the person is trying to speak, and he does not need to press a button to start and end recording.
Signal visualization during the test
During the test, engineers added a visualization of the implant's signals: it shows which mental actions cause the strongest brain activity. These data are needed to improve the models that convert brain activity into commands and speech.
Speech interface results
Neuralink separately reported the results of the speech interface. In the first week of use, one of the participants typed 75 English words per minute with an error rate of 5.8%. The company emphasizes: this is an early result from one participant, not an indicator confirmed for all users of the system.
Clinical trials in the UK
Recall that the neurotechnology company Neuralink Corp., owned by Elon Musk and engaged in the development of neuroimplants, has begun clinical trials in the United Kingdom. Their goal is further testing of the device that allows controlling computers and other electronics with the brain.