New Brain Implant Transmits Wirelessly To Computer

Neuroengineers Arto Nurmikko and Min Ying, with their wireless "brain radio" [Source: Brown University]

Scientists at Brown University have made brain-machine interfaces that are even more hip that BMIs researchers are using now. Like an upgrade from landlines to cell phones, their new device can record and transmit brain signals to a computer wirelessly. Free from onerous connections and wires, the technology could foster the development of a new generation of more flexible robotics to help amputees, spinal cord injury victims, or people with crippling neurological disorders.

Referred to the researchers affectionately as the “can,” the titanium-enclosed device measures 2.2 inches (56 mm) long, 1.65 inches (42 mm) wide, and 0.35 inches (9 mm) thick. That’s pretty small considering it contains an array of 100 electrodes, a lithium ion battery, and custom-designed ultralow-power integrated circuits, radio and infrared wireless transmitters, and a copper coil for recharging. The battery lasts up to seven hours before it needs recharging. When it is time to recharge, power is transferred to the battery wirelessly through the skin.

It’s not easy to stuff all this capability into such a small package. The study’s lead author, David Borton, explained in a university press release, “What makes the achievement discussed in this paper unique is how it integrated many individual innovations into a complete system with potential for neurospecific gain greater than the sum of its parts.”

Dr. Emmett Brown agrees, wireless is great – small and wireless, even better. [Source: bestforfilm.com]