Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Two years after becoming the first participant in a groundbreaking UC Davis brain-computer interface (BCI) study, Casey Harrell is using the technology independently at home to communicate, work and connect with his family. Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Harrell lost the ability to speak as the disease progressed. Today, an implanted brain-computer interface uses artificial intelligence to decode the speech he is attempting to produce and convert it into words on a computer, helping restore his ability to communicate.
In this update, researchers from the UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab share how the technology has evolved from a research demonstration into a practical tool for daily life. The system has now been used for more than 3,800 hours, enabling Harrell to communicate more than 183,000 sentences with remarkable accuracy. Learn how advances in brain-computer interfaces, neuroprosthetics, artificial intelligence and ALS research are helping people with paralysis regain independence and opening the door to future treatments for individuals living with severe speech and motor impairments.
Learn more about this story: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/brain-computer-interface-enables-independent-accurate-communication-for-man-living-with-als/2026/06
Watch the first time Casey used the BCI system: youtu.be/thPhBDVSxz0
See how the BCI works: youtu.be/JQEXpsjK40g
Learn more about ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases: https://health.ucdavis.edu/conditions/neurology/neurodegenerative-diseases
UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab: https://neuroprosthetics.science
BrainGate: braingate.org
Accessibility option: An extended audio-described version of this video, including narration of important visual elements, is available here: https://video.ucdavis.edu/media/Two+Years+Later%3A+How+a+Brain-Computer+Interface+%28BCI%29+Is+Giving+This+Man+With+ALS+His+Voice+Back+%28Audio-Described+Version%29/1_xvg2tifv
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UC Davis Health is committed to improving health for all through collaborative clinical, translational and basic science research. Across our organization, innovative studies are driving new technologies, treatments and therapies that directly benefit patients. With more clinical trials than any other health care provider in our region and renowned research centers led by internationally recognized experts, UC Davis Health is driving discoveries that address today’s most pressing health challenges.
Driving Discovery at UC Davis Health: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM7qvIv8N9RuiFD4q7L9Afj55Zxhx2seB
Research at UC Davis Health: https://health.ucdavis.edu/research/
Clinical trials at UC Davis Health: studypages.com/ucdavis/home
UC Davis School of Medicine: https://medschool.ucdavis.edu
See the latest news from UC Davis Health: https://health.ucdavis.edu/newsroom
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0:00 Living with ALS
0:34 How a BCI restores Casey's voice
1:14 After two years of regular use
2:05 Scaling this technology for patients
2:54 The future of BCI use for ALS
Caution: Investigational device. Limited by Federal (U.S.) law to investigational use. The information in this video was accurate as of the upload date, 8/14/24. For information purposes only. Consult your local medical authority for advice.
#als #braingate #bci #lougehrigsdisease #ucdavis #ai #nejm
Two years after becoming the first participant in a groundbreaking UC Davis brain-computer interface (BCI) study, Casey Harrell is using the technology independently at home to communicate, work and connect with his family. Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Harrell lost the ability to speak as the disease progressed. Today, an implanted brain-computer interface uses artificial intelligence to decode the speech he is attempting to produce and convert it into words on a computer, helping restore his ability to communicate.
In this update, researchers from the UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab share how the technology has evolved from a research demonstration into a practical tool for daily life. The system has now been used for more than 3,800 hours, enabling Harrell to communicate more than 183,000 sentences with remarkable accuracy. Learn how advances in brain-computer interfaces, neuroprosthetics, artificial intelligence and ALS research are helping people with paralysis regain independence and opening the door to future treatments for individuals living with severe speech and motor impairments.
Learn more about this story: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/brain-computer-interface-enables-independent-accurate-communication-for-man-living-with-als/2026/06
Watch the first time Casey used the BCI system: youtu.be/thPhBDVSxz0
See how the BCI works: youtu.be/JQEXpsjK40g
Learn more about ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases: https://health.ucdavis.edu/conditions/neurology/neurodegenerative-diseases
UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab: https://neuroprosthetics.science
BrainGate: braingate.org
Accessibility option: An extended audio-described version of this video, including narration of important visual elements, is available here: https://video.ucdavis.edu/media/Two+Years+Later%3A+How+a+Brain-Computer+Interface+%28BCI%29+Is+Giving+This+Man+With+ALS+His+Voice+Back+%28Audio-Described+Version%29/1_xvg2tifv
——
UC Davis Health is committed to improving health for all through collaborative clinical, translational and basic science research. Across our organization, innovative studies are driving new technologies, treatments and therapies that directly benefit patients. With more clinical trials than any other health care provider in our region and renowned research centers led by internationally recognized experts, UC Davis Health is driving discoveries that address today’s most pressing health challenges.
Driving Discovery at UC Davis Health: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM7qvIv8N9RuiFD4q7L9Afj55Zxhx2seB
Research at UC Davis Health: https://health.ucdavis.edu/research/
Clinical trials at UC Davis Health: studypages.com/ucdavis/home
UC Davis School of Medicine: https://medschool.ucdavis.edu
See the latest news from UC Davis Health: https://health.ucdavis.edu/newsroom
——
0:00 Living with ALS
0:34 How a BCI restores Casey's voice
1:14 After two years of regular use
2:05 Scaling this technology for patients
2:54 The future of BCI use for ALS
Caution: Investigational device. Limited by Federal (U.S.) law to investigational use. The information in this video was accurate as of the upload date, 8/14/24. For information purposes only. Consult your local medical authority for advice.
#als #braingate #bci #lougehrigsdisease #ucdavis #ai #nejm
