First Commercial Brain-Operated Computer

Disabled people trapped within their bodies now can communicate with the outside world via the first commercially available brain-operated computer. The Intendix, developed by Guger Technologies, allows those suffering from locked-in syndrome or similar conditions to type out messages by communicating with their brain. A special EEG cap is fitted atop the individual’s head and reads their thoughts. The user focuses on a screen showing a grid of letters, and the computer detects the letter of choice by reading spikes in brain activity. Intendix is also designed to set off alarms, convert text to speech, print, copy and email. The price of the computer is about $12,000.