ABILITY

An implantable brain-computer interface (BCI) to restore movement and communication
The Wyss Center is developing a fully implantable brain-computer interface (BCI) that can directly detect brain signals, and wirelessly transmit data through the scalp. The neural data is received by an external wearable device then transmitted to a computer via a wired connection. The computer decodes the brain signals in real time to control assistive devices such as prosthetics or to integrate with voice or communication systems.
The system, called ABILITY which stands for Active Brain Implant Live Information Transfer sYstem, uses multiple channels to collect high-resolution brain data.
Our technology development efforts are currently focused on the following applications:
• Enabling communication with people ‘locked-in’ as a result of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), as part of the INTRECOM project with UMC Utrecht Brain Center (the Netherlands), Graz University of Technology (Austria) and CorTec (Germany)
• Restoration of reach, grasp and walking in people following spinal cord injury or stroke
• Exploring the potential for use in neuromodulation applications
Whitepaper
ABILITY
In numbers
50 Mbits/s
2022


The ABILITY platform
Implant and connected electrodes
Wearable
Data processor
Data visualization
At the center of the ABILITY platform is an active, fully implantable medical device, designed for long-term implantation. Its design brings together state-of-the-art know-how and engineering to achieve numerous ‘firsts’ in the area of brain implantable devices. An exceptionally high channel count allows high resolution recording of brain signals while secure wireless transmission of broadband neural data (50 Mbits/s), battery-less operation and encapsulation in a protective housing with hermetic sealing and biocompatible materials will allow the implant to function in the body for years. The implant is similar in size to a cochlear implant and can be implanted with a simple subcutaneous procedure.
The active implant is currently connected to two tiny arrays of microelectrodes that continuously record neural signals from the surface of the cortex. Hermetic feedthroughs allow the wires from the microelectrodes to enter and connect to the implant, while keeping moisture away from the sensitive internal electronics.
The device is also designed to be flexibly connected to a variety of other electrode technologies such as ECoG, our Epios electrodes, and flexible, stretchable and customizable arrays.
ABILITY enters preclinical trial
A preclinical trial is now underway with the ABILITY brain-computer interface system. The study, which is being carried out in sheep, is a crucial step towards development of a fully implantable device to enable applications such as communication and movement for people with paralysis. The trial will assess the safety and feasibility of brain signal recording and wireless transfer of neural data to a wearable computer.


The ABILITY wearable
ABILITY comprises implantable and wearable components. Here, the colorful image on the left shows the printed circuit board layout of the USB adapter - part of the ABILITY wearable. The image on the right is the physical board used in the wearable. Components marked yellow and blue in the layout are deep, so not visible on the board.


NeuroKey data processing software
The Wyss Center’s NeuroKey software is easily integrated with ABILITY. Developed as medical-grade software, the high-performance data analysis platform processes large amounts of information in real-time and enables rapid prototyping of clinical apps.
We collaborate with academic and clinical partners as well as a network of industrial technology partners.
Where I work: Neuroengineering Project Manager, Shenandoah Montamat

Team
Updates
-
21.11.2022
Brain-computer interfaces: New technology. More data. Improving lives.
Symposium: As the BCI community shifts its focus to clinical studies for patient benefit, join us to hear from researchers and companies working together at the forefront of BCI development discussing paths to translation and BCI home-use.
Wyss Center -
09.11.2022
Latest neural signals recorded with ABILITY brain-computer interface and new details of the system presented at Society for Neuroscience meeting
Wyss Center’s ABILITY system, designed to improve quality of life and independence for people with severe paralysis, demonstrates safety and efficacy in pre-clinical trials.
Technology -
12.10.2022
New horizons in neural recording systems
New Wyss Center whitepaper reveals first neural signals recorded by the ABILITY brain-computer interface system and the next steps to human clinical trials to restore communication and independence for people with severe paralysis.
Technology
