This Implant Lets You Control Robots With Your Mind
In a Nutshell
Alex Smith, who lost his arm at age 11, is the first user of a new implantable muscle-computer interface from Phantom Neuro that lets amputees control robotic hands with natural muscle signals. The system uses wireless sensors implanted next to the amputation site that wirelessly transmit signals to a robotic hand, achieving brain-computer interface-like control through simple outpatient surgery rather than a brain implant. The technology is positioned as more practical for the broader amputee population than neural implants and could expand to defense, surgery, and future human augmentation applications.
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Alex is the first person to use this mind-controlled robotic hand technology. He demonstrates several gestures including open and close, three-finger pinch, two-finger pinch, wrist rotation, and the ability to flick people off.
Alex Smith lost his right arm at age 11 and has used a standard prosthetic for most of his life. He shows his current simple and functional prosthetic and explains this represents where prosthetics are headed.
Dr. Adiel Akhtar from San Diego, California, founded Psyonic. The company makes Alex's robotic hand, which is packed with sensors and constructed from carbon fiber for strength and lightness. The device weighs 490 grams, less than the average human hand.
Phantom Neuro, based in Austin, builds muscle computer interface technology. The company creates sensors that translate a person's intention to move into actual movements on a robotic hand.
Connor Glass is the founder and CEO of Phantom Neuro. He attended medical school and became passionate about helping people with functional disabilities. He identified a market gap in commercially relevant human-machine interfacing approaches. While brain-computer interfaces are excellent, most people with physical disabilities do not need a brain implant to regain lost function.
Phantom developed an implantable sensor system for limbs that achieves similar results to brain-computer interfaces but through straightforward outpatient surgery without requiring specialized surgeons. The technology fits into the field of implanting electrodes into the body, similar to companies like Neuralink and Onward that build implants for the brain and spine.
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