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.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
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.
Instead of placing a chip in someone's brain, Phantom's device is implanted directly next to the amputation site. The implant sits under the skin on the arm. Users can choose between a wearable armband or an implantable armband. The goal is to place a ring of sensors around the limb.
Two devices are implanted per person: one on top of the residual limb and one on the bottom. These wireless electronics send signals to an edge compute module called the Fusion Port, which processes the signals and directs the robotic wrist and hand movements. Phantom manufactures both the implant and the edge compute module.
Phantom currently offers a wearable system while optimizing its implantable version. The first implants occurred at the beginning of the following year. The procedure involves creating a pocket under the skin sized to fit the implant. The surgery resembles a cosmetic procedure and does not require general anesthesia. The entire process takes less than one hour, typically 15 to 30 minutes, after which the patient can leave.
Alex reports that gestures worked within approximately 10 minutes of first use. The system is designed to be simple and natural, functioning exactly as muscles would move rather than requiring users to learn specific thought patterns like brain-computer interfaces. Alex has tested various hands including beta versions and production systems, and states this technology feels more natural and easier to use than previous options.
At age 11, Alex was boating with his family on Lake Austin when a drunken boater crashed into their boat. Alex was thrown into a propeller and lost his arm. He has used his regular prosthetic for many years.
Alex expresses strong interest in the implant despite being squeamish about surgeries and needles. Initially reluctant when Connor first mentioned the procedure, he became convinced after learning more details. He believes any amputee would be unwise not to pursue the implant if eligible.
Alex looks forward to not having to attach and remove equipment daily. He describes the experience of testing the system, noting that removing the device is the least favorite part of each day. The team mentions needing to disconnect him from the device through an app.
The reporter tests the wearable sensors by placing one on the extensor muscles on the back of the forearm and another on the inner forearm. The system captures muscle signals from individual fingers: index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger. After data collection, the reporter successfully controls a drone by making a fist to spin it in a circle and using the pinky finger to direct movement. The reporter lands the drone successfully.
Alex maintains a large scotch collection, which he began after his father introduced him to the spirit on his 21st birthday with two bottles. His father is also a collector. Alex and his wife founded the Austin Scotch Club. The collection includes a 14-year-old scotch finished in a rum cask. Alex prefers heavy, peaty, smoky varieties. The collection is estimated to be close to 800 bottles and is considered among the largest in Texas.
Connor notes that brain-computer interface companies often focus on spinal cord injury or locked-in syndrome patients. There are over 100,000 individuals with spinal cord injuries in the United States. Investors typically view this as too small a market. However, brain-computer interfaces receive significant hype and funding despite the limited addressable market. Phantom's approach targets a broader population of amputees and others with limb disabilities.
Phantom is developing non-medical applications that cannot be discussed in detail. Future possibilities include additional appendages such as wearable wings, multiple arms similar to Doc Ock, and superhuman capabilities. The technology could enable humans to become whatever they want to be, treating the body as a blank canvas.
Defense applications include bomb diffusion using remote-operated vehicles with human or superhuman arms controlled from a distance with one-to-one dexterity. Additional uses could involve underwater operations, surgical robots, and space exploration.
Connor argues that human-machine interaction methods have remained unchanged since early interfaces like joysticks. As machines become more capable, new interfacing methods are needed to allow humans to interact with multiple systems simultaneously.
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