A 68-year-old Michigan woman with primary lateral sclerosis received Paradromics’ fully implantable wireless speech BCI this summer and is already using it to generate decoded speech, including calls with her grandchildren.
The dime-sized device sits on the motor cortex and uses 421 tiny sensors to capture neural activity tied to attempted speech, aiming to avoid the external wires and head ports used in older systems.
Researchers say the broader push is moving from text-on-screen toward direct brain-to-voice output; in separate recent tests, another speech-restoration system reached about 95% listener-understandable accuracy.
Only about five to 10 people have so far used implanted systems to decode attempted speech, but researchers say more than a dozen companies are now pursuing brain-computer interfaces as AI and neural decoding improve.
Will decoding simultaneous speech and gestures directly from the brain finally make clunky communication screens obsolete?
Could a wireless brain implant misread your deepest emotions and broadcast words you never intended to speak aloud?
When AI perfectly clones a paralyzed comedian's voice for live stand-up, who is truly delivering the punchline?
Paradromics Connexus BCI Restores Natural Speech in ALS Patient: 200+ bps Data Rate Outpaces Neuralink and Synchron in 2026 Clinical Trial
Overview
In 2026, University of Michigan Health achieved a major breakthrough by implanting the Paradromics Connexus wireless brain-computer interface in a patient with severe speech loss from motor neuron disease. The system restored real-time, self-directed speech and digital interaction, operating with imperceptible lag for natural conversation. Its fully internal, wireless design eliminates infection risks and uses durable materials for over 10 years of use. The FDA expanded trial access nationwide and approved integration with personal devices, allowing users to control laptops and smartphones directly with their thoughts. This marks a new era in restoring communication and independence for people with paralysis.