التكنولوجيا وأخبارها بوابة الإمارات لتكنولوجيا المعلومات والإتصالات
Blackrock Microsystems Licenses Wyss Center’s Real-time Neural Signal Processing Platform
The software platform, NeuroKey, interfaces with multiple
brain signal acquisition sources and devices, extending the
reach of brain-computer interface applications
The Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering has granted
a worldwide license to Blackrock Microsystems to
commercialize its neural signal processing and decoding
software platform for research and clinical applications.
The agreement follows a long-standing collaborative
relationship and represents the first of many important
neurotechnology developments the Wyss Center and
Blackrock Microsystems intend to advance together.
“One limitation of neural signal processing applications is
that there is no single software platform that directly works
with the multiple devices collecting brain signals.
Researchers and clinicians have to develop their own
software to analyze the signals from a patient, which limits
effectiveness and slows down the implementation of
solutions to the clinic,” said David Ibanez, Ph.D., Brain
Machine Interface Scientist at the Wyss Center. Ibanez has
been leading the Wyss Center’s software platform
development efforts over recent months.
Optimized for use with implantable, high-channel count
brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), the Wyss Center’s high-
performance data analysis platform, called NeuroKey, is an
important building block for complete real-time neural
interface research and clinical applications, including
restoration of movement, communication and control of
assistive devices.
The medical-grade platform is compatible with commercial
hardware and sensors and can be adapted to custom-made
devices. NeuroKey has the potential to accelerate BCI
technology research and development for clinical
deployment in the lab and at home.
“Access to enabling devices at home, would give me greater
independence and freedom,” said Ian Burkhart. Known as a
BCI Pioneer, Ian has an enabling neural interface
developed by Blackrock Microsystems. He sustained a
spinal cord injury during a diving accident in 2010.
“Currently BCI devices can only be used under extreme
supervision in controlled environments, however, this
innovation from Blackrock Microsystems and the Wyss
Center pushes research to a stage where these devices can
advance into the real world.”
The partnership between the Wyss Center and Blackrock
Microsystems is a strong example of the Center’s
translational approach. It combines the technical talent and
research and development efforts of the Center’s staff with
the clinical and market knowledge of Blackrock
Microsystems, who has been the leading provider of
reliable invasive brain computer interface technology to
researchers and BCI Pioneers (tetraplegic patients) for
more than a decade.
“Blackrock Microsystems is proud to be collaborating with
the Wyss Center in an effort to bring life-changing
innovation and neuro technology to patients,” said Marcus
Gerhardt, MPhil, MA, Blackrock Microsystem’s co-founder
and CEO.
“We hope that this is the first of many joint
neurotechnology developments with Blackrock
Microsystems, that will have a big impact on many people’s
lives,” added Wyss Center’s CEO Mary Tolikas, Ph.D., MBA.
ENDS
