Casey Harrell, an ALS patient, has successfully used a brain-computer interface since mid-2023 to speak, surf the web, and advocate for climate causes, highlighting the accelerating progress in BCI trials globally. With increased medical approvals and technological refinements, brain implants are emerging as a transformative tool for people with paralysis.
- China approved a medical brain-computer interface device in 2026
- Over 20 research groups tested BCIs in 67 volunteers by late 2023
- Companies like Neuralink and Synchron are scaling human trials
What happened
Casey Harrell, living with ALS, has spent nearly three years using a brain-computer interface implanted in July 2023 that enables him to communicate, browse the internet, and work independently. The device uses electrodes implanted in his brain to detect speech-related electrical signals, which are then decoded by specialized software. Harrell’s team at the University of California, Davis has continued to refine the system, adding features such as privacy settings and profanity filters.
The field of brain-computer interfaces is rapidly gaining momentum with a significant increase in trial volunteers and technological improvements. In early 2026, China became the first country to authorize a BCI for medical use, signaling a key regulatory milestone. Multiple companies and research institutions around the world are conducting human trials, exploring various configurations from fully implanted wireless devices to non-invasive caps, aiming to improve accuracy and reduce surgical risks.
Why it matters
Brain-computer interfaces represent a transformative development for individuals with paralysis, enabling communication and control beyond physical limitations. While Harrell’s device helps someone with ALS who has lost speech ability, many similar devices are focused on people with spinal cord injuries who retain speech but lack limb mobility. BCIs can restore autonomy by facilitating activities such as speaking, operating computers, or controlling mobility aids.
What to watch next
Attention is turning to the expansion of clinical trials and commercial deployments of BCIs, with companies like Neuralink, Synchron, Neuracle, and Precision Neuroscience increasing human implantations and testing new device configurations. Monitoring these developments will reveal how BCI capabilities improve, particularly aspects like wireless functionality, decoding accuracy, and user safety.