The future of Artificial vision
A cortical visual prosthesis that stimulates the primary visual cortex through a high-density microelectrode array. A brain–computer interface to restore useful visual perception in people with blindness.
Components and technologies
Integrated cortical visual prosthesis with a brain–computer interface
Direct cortical stimulation
Microelectrode array in primary visual cortex (V1) for precise neural stimulation and spatially organized phosphenes.
Real-time signal processing
Image processing pipeline that turns video from an external camera into low-latency electrical stimulation patterns.
High-density microelectrodes
Penetrating electrode array with optimized spacing to maximize spatial resolution and limit tissue damage.
Wireless telemetry
Transcutaneous data and power link, avoiding percutaneous connectors and lowering infection risk.
Implantable power system
Rechargeable battery with electromagnetic induction and power management for continuous, safe use.
Advanced biocompatibility
Biocompatible materials and coatings to limit immune response and long-term stability.
Implant technical specifications
Microelectrode array and cortical stimulation parameters
How the neural implant works
Capture, processing, and neural stimulation to create visual percepts
Image capture
External camera in glasses records the environment in real time with a high-sensitivity CMOS sensor.
Digital processing
The external unit converts video into stimulation patterns with computer-vision and retinotopic mapping.
Wireless link
Processed data is sent by RF to the subcutaneous implant through the skin.
Cortical stimulation
Microelectrodes in V1 deliver controlled current pulses to targeted neurons.
Phosphenes
Stimulation elicits phosphenes the brain can interpret as spatially arranged light points.
Neural adaptation
Plasticity lets users learn to interpret phosphene patterns as meaningful information over time.
Scientific and technical notes
Who can benefit
Typical profile of suitable candidates for the implant
Severe or total blindness
When conventional surgery or drugs no longer help people with very low or no vision.
Healthy visual cortex
The target region (V1) must be intact, because the implant is placed and driven there.
Acquired blindness
People who had sight before often adapt faster, because the brain still understands visual information.
Qualifying etiologies
Retina, optic nerve, or eye damage with preserved cortical pathways, e.g. retinitis pigmentosa, advanced glaucoma, or trauma.
Age and general health
You must be fit for neurosurgery and have a life expectancy compatible with long-term use.
Commitment and support
Willingness to do intensive training and a supportive network while you adapt.
What to expect
Realistic benefits the implant may offer
Light and movement
Detecting light, bright vs. dark, and large-scale motion in the scene.
Navigation
Better spatial orientation, doors, corridors, obstacles, and safer mobility.
Simple shapes
Outlines and large objects such as furniture, vehicles, people, and big structures.
Object finding
Locating large items on a table or in a room, such as cups, plates, and phones.
Large text
With training, some users recognize large letters, numbers, and high-contrast signs.
Social cues
Noticing that someone is nearby, broad gestures, and large head movements to support interaction.
Limitations and realistic goals
It is important to know what the implant will not do
Low resolution
The percept is about 32x32, like a very pixelated view. It does not support fine text or face detail.
No color
Current phosphenes are effectively grayscale light patterns without color information.
Narrow field
Stimulation is limited to the array coverage, not a full natural field of view.
Long training
Months of practice are usually required before use becomes practical.
Need for external gear
Glasses, camera, and the processor are required. Without them the implant is not active.
Not a cure for sight
It is an assistive, learned percept, not a return to natural vision.
Neural adaptation timeline
Training and skill development over time
First phosphenes
You begin to see light points that may look random. Daily training links light patterns to real objects.
Simple patterns
The brain starts grouping phosphenes. You learn large vs. small, edges, and practice with common objects.
Mobility
Using artificial vision to move, first in simple spaces, then in richer environments, often with a cane or guide dog.
Daily tasks
Finding things, people, and large text in day-to-day life, with system tuning as you improve.
Independence
Solo use in many settings, with ongoing follow-up, optimization, and system updates.
Daily life
Where the implant may help in real situations
At home
- Find items on tables and shelves
- Find doors and windows
- Know when lights are on or off
- Move between rooms with more safety
- Locate people in the same room
On the street
- Detect crosswalks and signals
- Notice cars approaching
- Find shop entrances
- Detect obstacles in the path
- Use sidewalks and open spaces more confidently
At work
- Locate large documents and materials
- Notice colleagues approaching
- Get around the office
- Be more aware of position in meetings
- Use a computer with accessibility software
Leisure and social
- Join group activities
- Get motion and layout at events
- Play adapted sports a bit more safely
- Use spatial cues in conversation
- Enjoy places through contrast and layout
From the waitlist
What people are hoping for with the See U neural implant
"I'm on the See U neural implant waitlist. I hope to see my grandchildren for the first time. I've dreamed of this for years."
"I'm waiting eagerly for the neural implant. I hope to work again and get my independence back. This technology is my hope for a new life."
"I'm in line for the See U brain implant. My dream is to see the face of my daughter who was born after I lost my sight. I can hardly wait."
"I have high hopes for the neural implant. I want to drive again and be fully on my own. I believe this will change my life completely."
"I wait for the neural implant with real hope. I long to see colors again and a sunset. It will feel like being reborn."
"I'm on the list for the brain implant. I hope to read again and return to my studies. Education has always been my passion."
"I expect to receive the See U neural implant. I want to see my husband's face and recognize him again. I miss that so much."
"I wait for the neural implant with anxiety. My dream is to play football and sports again. I want a full life."
"I'm in line for the neural chip. I hope to cook on my own again and care for my home. Independence is everything to me."
"I look forward to the brain implant. I want to see the Amazon nature and its beauty. I grew up here and I miss it."
"I wait for the See U neural implant. I dream of seeing my mom again and spending time with her. Family means everything to me."
"I'm on the list for the neural implant. I hope to work in tech again and return to my career. I have a lot to offer."
"I have high hopes for the brain implant. I want to see the sea and feel the breeze on the beach. I miss that feeling."
"I wait for the neural implant with hope. I dream of seeing my elderly parents and every moment with them."
"I'm in line for the See U neural implant. I hope to shop on my own and pick my own clothes. I want that freedom."
"I expect the neural chip. I want to see the beaches in Alagoas and their natural beauty. It's my dream."
"I long for the brain implant. I hope to see my dog and play with them while I watch. I miss that desperately."
"I'm on the list for the neural implant. I want to travel alone and see new places. Adventure has always been my dream."
"I look forward to the See U implant. I want to see my students and teach in person again. Teaching is my life."
"I wait for the brain implant in faith. I want to see the Pantanal and its amazing wildlife. I need that experience."
"I'm in line for the neural chip. I hope to paint again and show my art. Creativity is me."
"I have high expectations for the neural implant. I want to see the bridges in Florianópolis and the city. I love that place."
"I wait for the See U brain implant. I dream of watching my baby grow through every stage. I want to be there."
"I'm on the list. I want to take photos again and keep special moments. Photography is my passion."
"I expect the neural implant. I want to see the Amazon River and how vast it is. It will be unforgettable."
"I wait for the chip with anxiety. I want to see the Amazon forest and its biodiversity. I need that connection."
"I'm in line for the brain implant. I hope to sew again and make clothes. Fashion was always my art."
"I have high expectations for the See U implant. I want to see my wife again and renew our vows. She's the love of my life."
"I wait for the implant with hope. I dream of seeing Christ the Redeemer and the view. An old wish."
"I'm on the list for the chip. I hope to play video games with friends. I miss that fun."
"I look forward to the brain implant. I want to see my garden bloom and care for my plants. Gardening heals me."
"I wait for the See U implant. I dream of seeing the port in Santos and the ships. I saw it every day as a child."
"I'm in line. I want to do makeup and feel good again. Confidence matters a lot to me."
"I want to watch movies with my family again. I want to share those moments. Film night was our tradition."
"I wait for the implant to see my wedding. I want to see my dress and the decor. It will be the best day."
"I'm on the list, hoping to play ball with my kids. I want to see their happy faces. Family is everything."
"I look forward to my graduation. I want to see my diploma and celebrate with everyone. I worked so hard for this."
"I wait to drive my car again. I dream of coming and going on my own. Autonomy is essential."
"I'm in line to see my grandmother before it's too late. I want to hold her face in my memory. She means so much."
"I hope to work as a designer again. I want to create and make art. Creativity is my life."
"I wait for the implant to see my first grandchild born. I need to be there. It will be unforgettable."
"I'm on the list hoping to read to my kids. I want to see their faces when I tell stories. Precious moments."
"I look forward to seeing the stars. I want to look at the night sky in wonder. I've always loved astronomy."
"I wait to hike in nature. I want to see views and clean air. Adventure is calling me."
"I'm in line to see my brother marry. I want to be there and see his joy. Family together."
"I hope to play guitar while seeing the strings. I want to make music with precision. It's my art."
"I wait for the implant to see my new house. I want to choose every design detail. My dream home."
"On the list hoping to see Carnaval. I want the colors and joy. Culture is life."
"I look forward to watching my nieces and nephews grow. I want every phase of their lives. Proud aunt always."
"I wait to go fishing and see the river. I need nature to relax. Inner peace."
"I'm in line to see my daughter dance ballet. I want to be in the audience. A mother's pride."
"I hope to shop and see the products. I want to pick my own clothes. Full independence."
"I wait for the implant to see our new dog. I want to play and watch it. Unconditional love."
"On the list hoping to see the sunrise. I want each dawn. Grateful to be alive."
"I look forward to the flowers in my garden. I want every color. Nature calms me."
"I wait to see the ocean again. I want the motion of the water. I miss the sea."
"In line to see my childhood friends. I want to know their faces after all these years. True friendship."
"I want to read newspapers and magazines. I need to see the news. Knowledge matters."
"I wait to see my city. I want every street and square again. I love my home town."
"Hoping to see the historic old town. I want the colonial buildings. The culture of the north-east."
"I look forward to the dunes and beaches. I want the beauty of Ceará. A tropical place."
"I wait to see my grandkids play football. I want to cheer from the stands. A proud granddad."
"In line to see Oktoberfest. I want the decor and the party. German tradition here."
"I want to see the Petrópolis mountains and imperial style. The city's story."
"I wait to embroider again. I want the thread colors. Handwork is therapy."
"Hoping to see my band on stage. I need to see the audience. Music is my life."
"I look forward to my salon with clients. I work with love."
"I wait to see the Bahia interior. I love the sertão."
"In line to see my clothing store. I want to choose stock. Starting a business is my goal."
"I want to see the farm and the animals. Ranch life completes me."
"I wait for a full restaurant. I want to see happy guests. Food is art."
"Hoping to see Iguassu Falls. I want that natural wonder. A world heritage site."
"I look forward to the Doce River again. Local nature is beautiful."
"I wait to see my shoe workshop. I need good vision for the craft. Gaucho skill."
"In line to see the Paraíba Valley. I want the mountain views."
"I want to see the Caruaru market and crafts. North-east culture."
"I wait to see my grandkids play. I want to join the games. Grandma on the field."
"Hoping to drive a truck on the open road. It's my job."
"I want to see the beach every day. I love the sand. Coastal life."
"I wait to see my car garage. I love working on cars."
"In line to see my dance school. I want to teach and watch students. Dance is expression."
"I look forward to seeing my team at the stadium. Football is my passion."
"I wait to see my garden grow. Healthy food from my own yard."
"Hoping to fish in the river. I need to see the water and the fish. Rest."
"I want to see art fairs, sculptures, paintings. A cultural city."
"I wait to see the whole family together at parties. We belong together."
"In line to see my sewing studio. I need every detail. Textile art."
"I look forward to my wood shop. Traditional craft with wood."
"I wait to see my paintings. I want to paint landscapes. Visual art."
"Hoping to see the sunset. I want the evening light. So beautiful."
"I look forward to my home library. I want to read every page. I love books."
"I wait to walk the beach boardwalk. I want the view. The coast."
"In line to see my decorated home. I need every room cozy. A warm home."