AI and brain-computer interface allow speechless ALS patient to work a full-time job
A breakthrough from UC Davis shows a brain–computer interface (BCI) helping an ALS patient not only type by thought but also speak, while returning to full‑time work. Casey Harrell’s implant, in use since 2023, translates signals from the brain’s motor area into English phonemes and words with striking accuracy—99% in lab tests and 92% in daily use. The system uses existing hardware and a home‑care setup, powered by BRAND, an AI platform that decodes neural activity into speech. This isn’t science fiction: Harrell has meaningful conversations with his daughter and can communicate naturally, far beyond prior lab‑only setups. While not yet a consumer product, the work is positioned to derisk BCIs and push them toward real‑world use, joining broader BrainGate efforts to restore speech, communication, and even movement for people with paralysis.