Brad Smith, the third person in the world to receive a Neuralink brain implant, has shared a heartfelt video on X (formerly Twitter) demonstrating how the technology has helped him communicate again, despite being non-verbal due to his battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Smith, whose body is paralysed and dependent on a ventilator for breathing, relies on Neuralink’s cutting-edge brain-computer interface (BCI) to control his MacBook Pro and speak through a cloned voice.
In a powerful post, Smith stated: “Even though having ALS sucks, I am happy, and God has answered my prayers—life is good.” He added, “I am the 3rd person in the world to receive the Neuralink brain implant. 1st with ALS. 1st Nonverbal.”
Smith’s ALS has robbed him of most bodily functions, leaving him with the ability to only move his eyes and the corners of his mouth. Yet, with the Neuralink implant, he is able to regain some of his independence, controlling his computer cursor via his brain signals, allowing him to create and edit videos once again. The voice in his video was cloned using artificial intelligence (AI) from recordings he made before losing the ability to speak.
“This is my old voice narrating this video, cloned by AI from recordings before I lost my voice,” Smith explained, detailing the role of AI and Neuralink’s technology in his daily life.
Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, is pioneering the development of brain implants to help people like Smith, who suffer from severe motor disabilities. The implant is embedded in Smith’s motor cortex, which controls movement, and connects wirelessly to a computer. The device contains 1024 electrodes, which capture neuron activity and transmit it to a computer, where AI processes the data and decodes Smith’s intended movements.
The brain implant allows Smith to control the cursor with his tongue, a breakthrough after early attempts to control the cursor with his hand failed. Neuralink engineers determined that tongue movements provided more precision, and after training the system, Smith can now use this function subconsciously, much like able-bodied individuals use their wrists to control a mouse.
“It’s like the cursor moves in a random direction,” Smith explained, illustrating the necessity of constant adjustments. “I have to adjust it often,” he added, referring to the tools that help fine-tune the cursor’s behaviour, including speed control and the “bias correction” tool.
The BCI also features a virtual keyboard, allowing Smith to type and communicate, despite the limitations caused by his condition. Neuralink has developed a system of predictive text to help speed up communication, including a chat app using AI to listen to conversations and provide response suggestions in his cloned voice.
“This chat app gives me options to say in response,” Smith said, describing how AI allows him to remain engaged in conversations. He shared a personal example of using the app to suggest a creative idea for his friend: “I chose the option that told him in my voice to get her a bouquet of carrots.”
Smith also pointed to his ongoing work with Neuralink engineers to improve communication speed. He is training himself on a new keyboard designed for single-finger or mouse use, and hopes this will further enhance his ability to type faster. Smith expressed his gratitude for the breakthrough technology: “Neuralink has given me freedom, hope, and faster communication. Overall, the whole Neuralink experience has been fantastic.”
Despite the challenges of living with ALS, Smith has found a sense of purpose and fulfilment in his involvement with Neuralink. He believes that his condition has led him to serve others and be closer to his family, particularly his wife, Tiffany, who has been a key figure in his journey. “Tiffany is the greatest person I have ever known, and I get to spend eternity with her,” he said, reflecting on the blessings he has received despite the hardships.
“I am a better man because of ALS,” Smith added. “God loves me and my family. He has answered our prayers in unexpected ways. Life is good.”
Smith’s story is a testament to the potential of Neuralink and similar technologies to change the lives of those living with severe neurological conditions. Through AI and brain implants, Smith is not only able to regain communication but also find joy and hope in his daily life.
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