Next Generation Neural Implants

Yu-Chong Tai
Director, Caltech Micromachining Laboratory
California Institute of Technology

Neurons, once severely damaged, do not repair or regenerate themselves, leaving permanent debilitating deficits for tens of millions of people worldwide. As there’s no other solution within sight, implant technology is used to intact tissues and/or replace defective functions, e.g., pacemakers and electronic cochlear implants. However, current implants are far from ideal. They are still bulky, rigid, power hungry, and functionally limited. Some, like retinal implants, require more advanced features, like a large number of electrodes and extreme volume. This talk will review progress on next generation implants, which must be miniature, flexible, and highly functional for highly muscular, retinal, cortical and spinal use.