Zach, the 22nd person to receive a Neuralink implant and a patient with ALS, used the N1 brain-computer interface implanted in his brain to control a Matic robot vacuum and complete cleaning tasks using only his thoughts, regaining a measure of control over his daily life. Matic is equipped with five RGB cameras and can build a 3D map of a room locally, autonomously recognize floor environments, and switch between vacuuming and mopping modes. However, it currently cannot clean narrow spaces, its dust bag and water tank require manual handling, and it is relatively expensive. The product was developed over nine years by two former Google Nest employees, who have long studied how to let people command machines more naturally. At present, multiple Neuralink implant recipients have used thought control to operate wheelchairs, robotic arms, and other devices to complete everyday actions. Thought-control functionality in brain-computer interfaces is reaching first the groups that need it most, helping them gradually reclaim the control over their lives that disease has taken away.
