Ultra-Thin Implanted Brain Computer Interface Breaks Records

The majority of the world interacts with their smartphone, PC, or tablet using the traditional screen and keyboard interfaces. However, these modes of human-machine communication could become obsolete in the coming years as a team of engineers from across prestigious institutions has successfully created a miniature, implantable BCI that has the potential to revolutionize several markets.

Their invention combines a wireless transceiver, an advanced power system, a digital control module, data converters, and several additional components to enable true direct-to-brain two-way communication. This development marks a major milestone for BCIs that could one day reshape how humans and machines interact. Here’s what you need to know.

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)

Brain-computer interfaces have come a long way over the last 50 years. These devices have matured from simple sensors capable of detecting alpha waves into complex systems that can intercept and decode the brain’s signals in real time.

The growth of BCI technology has opened the door for some exciting developments, including breakthroughs in the medical field. Specifically, these devices have been found useful in helping treat people with neurological disorders like epilepsy or paralysis. Consequently, scientists now see this tech as an important sector that has the potential to help millions.

Problems with Today’s Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)

As one might expect, significant technological complexity is required to capture and decipher brain waves to control external devices. One of the main factors that has limited this tech is its complicated nature. Until recently, AI systems weren’t capable of deciphering these waves accurately, meaning that the task was undertaken by traditional computing systems.

Cumbersome Hardware Limits Current BCIs

Even as the technology began to achieve these capabilities, it remained large, uncomfortable, and impractical for the wearer. Today’s most advanced systems require a large implanted canister to house most of the electronics. This storage needs to be implanted in the skull or in the chest, with the latter option requiring additional cables.

Why Today’s BCIs Don’t Scale

Several manufacturing constraints have made mass production of these devices impossible. For one, the sheer costs and precision required to create these devices on a large scale haven’t been available. Additionally, modern designs were not created to support large-scale production, meaning that they utilize methods and components that make it unreasonable.

Brain-Computer Interface Study: Inside the BISC Implant

Recognizing these limitations as the main roadblock to achieving BCIs’ true potential, a team of engineers from Columbia University, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Stanford University, and the University of Pennsylvania set off to correct these issues and usher in a new age of human-machine controllability.

The study¹, titled ‘A wireless subdural-contained brain–computer interface with 65,536 electrodes and 1,024 channels’, published in Nature Electronics rethinks the entire approach from the ground up. Their creation achieves unmatched performance that equals orders of magnitude improvements over earlier versions, all from a tiny wireless ultra-thin neural implant.

Biological Interface System to Cortex (BISC)

Their invention, called the Biological Interface System to Cortex (BISC), features a simplified single-chip metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuit design. Its minuscule measurements of just 50 μm thick and 3 mm³ make it 1/1000th the volume of the current standard implant, or about the thickness of a human hair.

Source – Science Daily

This thin design enables it to be placed directly between the brain and skull. Housed within this tiny device is a lot of advanced tech capable of providing intense computing power. This computing power is necessary to capture brain waves and send them to the advanced AI systems running the show.

AI Models

The engineers built on decades of neurological and brain wave science to create an effective AI model capable of registering, sending, and receiving brain waves. The AI system can decode specific tasks, including movement, intent, and perception. It accomplishes this task through the use of purpose-built software and sensors designed to interact with the AI systems.

Electrodes

To enable true brain connectivity, the BISC operates as a micro-electrocorticography (µECoG) device. This system utilizes 65,536 electrodes, 1,024 recording channels, and 16,384 stimulation channels to create high-bandwidth recordings of the brain waves in real time.

The recordings are then sent to the advanced AI systems. These systems combine both machine learning and deep learning algorithms, enabling them to interpret the complex signal. Notably, this work builds on the past computational and systems neuroscience work done by contributing authors, Dr. Tolias and Bijan Pesaran.

Wireless Link

A relay station worn by the patient enables high-throughput communication with the implanted device. As the implanted device communicates directly to the brain, it then broadcasts the signal to the relay station. A wearable relay station communicates with the implant over a custom ultrawideband (UWB) radio link that reaches about 100 Mbps and then presents itself externally as a standard 802.11 Wi-Fi device.

How the Brain-Computer Interface was Built

The BISC implant was fabricated using easily accessible machines and tooling, ensuring large-scale production would be possible. Specifically, the device leverages TSMC’s 0.13-μm Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) technology. This approach enabled them to reduce the size and form factor of the device by combining multiple semiconductor technologies into one chip to produce mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs).

This strategy is advantageous because it enables the system to accept direct logic from the CMOS and high-voltage analog functions. Additionally, it enables the device to operate at a higher level of efficiency using DMOS transistors.

Brain-Computer Interface Test

The team constructed a demo device and conducted several tests to trial their theory. To accomplish the surgical aspects of the testing phase, the team partnered with Youngerman at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Together, they developed a safe and minimally invasive transplant strategy that enabled them to test the device in a real surgical setting.

The process involved creating a tiny incision and sliding the device between the brain and the roof of the skull. Its flexible and paper-thin design made the process much easier than traditional methods. Additionally, since there were no brain-penetrating components or wires, the process was much safer.

Brain-Computer Interface Test Results

The tests showed the system’s true capabilities as it was able to capture high-speed recordings directly from the brain. It demonstrated stable performance and didn’t see an immediate negative tissue reactivity, meaning that it would be ideal for use in medical scenarios where long-term implants are required.

Benefits of the BISC Brain-Computer Interface

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Real-World BCI Applications and Timeline

There are several applications for the brain interface computer. This device will help improve the lives of millions of people suffering from debilitating neurological diseases. Ailments like epilepsy, paralysis, seizures, loss of motor skills, loss of speech, and blindness could suddenly have new treatment options.

This technology will also help those requiring prosthetics due to limb loss. The system will allow for seamless communication and could even be used to provide real-time feedback to the wearer, creating a much more fulfilling treatment.

Timeline

This product could make its way into the medical sector within the next 5 years. Unlike its predecessors, the group has already accelerated its clinical trials with short-term intraoperative studies in human patients already taking place. As such, you can expect to hear more related breakthroughs surrounding this tech.

Brain-Computer Interface Researchers

The BISC study combines several aspects from across prestigious institutions. Specifically, it leverages Columbia’s microelectronics expertise, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford’s neuroscience programs. Additionally, it uses NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s surgical capabilities. The team secured funding from a National Institutes of Health grant and the Neural Engineering System Design program of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This funding enabled the team to expedite its research and validate results.

The Future of Ultra-Thin Brain-Computer Interfaces

The future of this tech looks bright. The engineers have already expressed interest in furthering the AI model’s effectiveness and conducting complete human trials. Additionally, the team will seek out partnerships to help fund the project and secure industrial contracts for manufacturing the device.

Brain-Computer Interface | Conclusion

The Brain-Computer Interface study opens the door to a sci-fi future where computers are controlled simply by thought. These devices will first make their way to the public via medical treatments. However, it won’t be too long before you have a deep conversation with your smartphone without moving your lips.

What do you think about this BCI device? Would you ever wear one? Like, comment, and share this article, and click here to learn about other cool computer tech.

Investing in the Brain-Computer Interface Development

There are many companies involved in the BCI sector, envisioning a future where the mind does the heavy lifting. While pure-play BCI startups often remain private, investors can look to established medical technology firms that provide the critical surgical infrastructure required to implant these devices. Here is one firm that facilitates the complex neurosurgery needed for the next generation of brain interfaces.

Integra Lifesciences

Integra Lifesciences entered the market in 1989. Its founder, Richard Caruso, wanted to provide more access to neurological treatments. This approach saw strong support thanks to a combination of helpful treatments and favorable investor responses. Notably, Integra Lifesciences went public in 1995.

In 2007, the company released an upgraded NeuroSight Arc brain-mapping software module for its OmniSight EXcel system, used to plan procedures for Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. From there, the firm continued to expand its neurosurgical product portfolio. In 2017, the firm acquired Codman Neurosurgery from Johnson & Johnson for $1.045B.

This maneuver expanded the company’s reach and enabled it to provide more advanced products. Those seeking access to the MedTech field should do more research into Integra Lifesciences.

Latest Integra Lifesciences (IART) Stock News and Performance

References

^{1. Jung, T., Zeng, N., Fabbri, J.D. et al. A wireless subdural-contained brain–computer interface with 65,536 electrodes and 1,024 channels. Nat Electron (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41928-025-01509-9}