Introducing the First Portable Brain Computer Interface System for Remote Trials
Blackrock Neurotech Teams Up with the University of Pittsburgh
The Strides of Blackrock Neurotech in Developing a Commercial Brain Computer Interface Platform
Blackrock Neurotech’s Miniaturized BCI System for Home Use
Blackrock Neurotech’s Expertise in Fully Implantable Electronics for Medical Applications
Rapid Robotics Unveils First Industrial Robot with the Fastest Setup Time in the Industry
The Revolutionary Smart Setup Capability of Rapid Robotics’ RMO
Researchers Develop New AI System Using Light to Learn Associatively
The Unique Features of the Optical Chip for AI Computation
The world of medical technology continues to make breakthroughs that push the limits of innovation, paving the way for treatments and solutions that were once impossible. One such innovation comes from Blackrock Neurotech and the University of Pittsburgh, who have partnered to create the first portable brain computer interface (BCI) system for remote trials. In this article, we will explore various aspects of this innovative technology and its potential impact.
Introducing the First Portable Brain Computer Interface System for Remote Trials
According to a Blackrock representative, this pioneering technology is the final step in preparation for the commercial launch of their first brain computer interface product early next year. The company plans to submit the product called “Move Again” to the FDA this year. Its aim is to be the first commercially available BCI for people with paralysis.
The Strides of Blackrock Neurotech in Developing a Commercial Brain Computer Interface Platform
Blackrock’s implantable BCI system has already been used in patients since 2004, in research studies without any FDA reported adverse events. The neuroport array, which is already FDA-cleared, is its gold standard BCI. It is a miniaturized and wired system that has been chronically implanted in humans for more than seven years with proven efficacy and ten years in non-human primates.
Blackrock Neurotech’s Miniaturized BCI System for Home Use
The company is now exploring the development of a miniaturized BCI system for home use that will replicate the potential for complex lab-based experiments. With over a decade of hard work, Blackrock has been able to draw its BCI system on more data, published research, lab interaction, and surgical experience than any other system worldwide.
Blackrock Neurotech’s Expertise in Fully Implantable Electronics for Medical Applications
Blackrock Neurotech aims to be the world’s leading technology platform for applications. Upcoming innovations from the company include new surgical solutions, flexible materials, depth electrodes, additional channel count, and enhanced artificial intelligence. Blackrock Neurotech has over 500 institutional partners globally using their BCI systems for research.
Next, we take a look at another breakthrough technology by Rapid Robotics.
Rapid Robotics Unveils First Industrial Robot with the Fastest Setup Time in the Industry
The Wrap and Machine Operator (RMO) is the first industrial robot that can get up and running in a matter of hours according to Rapid Robotics. It is also the first manufacturing robot that can move between jobs in less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee. The secret is the revolutionary smart setup capability that enables anybody to move RMOs onto a new job in as little as 60 seconds via built-in computer vision, requiring no programming or robotics expertise. This innovative design puts an end to work stoppages caused by changes or disruptions to the work environment.
The Revolutionary Smart Setup Capability of Rapid Robotics’ RMO
This technology enables manufacturers of all sizes to remove the barriers to automation, dramatically reduce the cost of ownership, and make robotics more available. The RMO comes readily prepared for common machine tending tasks and warehouse management tasks such as parts inspection, gate cutting, pick, and place and many more. With its human-like instincts, the RMO is incredibly flexible, and it can do any job it’s trained for at a moment’s notice.
Finally, we take a look at how researchers are exploring AI learning using light to learn associatively.
Researchers Develop New AI System Using Light to Learn Associatively
Researchers at Oxford University’s Department of Materials in collaboration with colleagues from Exeter and Munster have developed an on-chip optical processor that can detect similarities in datasets up to one thousand times faster than conventional machine learning algorithms on electronic processors. The neural networks used in most AI systems require a substantial number of data examples during a learning process. Rather than relying on back propagation, the associative monadic learning element (AMAL) uses a memory material that learns patterns to associate similar features in datasets, mimicking the Pavlovian associative learning observed in humans and animals. Wavelength division multiplexing is used to send multiple optical signals on different wavelengths on a single channel to increase computational speed.
The Unique Features of the Optical Chip for AI Computation
The device’s considerable performance capabilities over a conventional electronic chip are due to two unique design differences. First, a unique network architecture incorporating associative learning as a building block rather than using neurons in a neural network. Second is the use of wavelength division multiplexing to increase the computational speed. The chip hardware uses light to send and retrieve data to maximise information density. The AMAL approach is more efficient for volume-based learning tasks that do not require complex features in the datasets. This work opens up the potential for realizing fast optical processors that capture data associations for specific types of AI computations.
In conclusion, the strides of technology never cease to amaze us, with medical innovations like Blackrock Neurotech’s BCI System, Rapid Robotics’ RMO, and Oxford University’s work on AI using light. These technologies unveil the endless possibilities of the human mind and how far it could go, reaching the height of breakthroughs that we never thought would be possible.