Neuralink’s Third Patient Restores Voice Through Brain-Computer Interface

In a breakthrough for medical technology, Neuralink’s third clinical trial participant, Brad Smith, has successfully demonstrated the ability to speak again using a brain-computer interface (BCI). Smith, who is living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), used the "Link" implant to control a computer and generate speech in real-time, paired with a custom voice clone created by ElevenLabs.

The demonstration, released on April 6, 2026, showcases a significant leap in emotional connection for patients with speech-limiting conditions. Unlike traditional "robotic" synthesizers used in the past, Smith’s new voice was created using ElevenLabs' voice-cloning technology, which utilized old recordings of his natural voice from before his diagnosis. In the video, Smith’s daughter describes the experience of hearing the warm, familiar tone as "overwhelming," noting that it has strengthened their family bond.

Neuralink’s "VOICE" trial is specifically designed for patients with ALS or similar conditions, translating neural signals associated with the intent to speak into digital text and audio. This initiative aligns with ElevenLabs' pro-bono "Voice Replica" program, which offers free voice cloning to individuals who are at risk of losing their ability to speak due to medical reasons.

The success of this third patient marks a pivotal moment for the feasibility of BCI technology in everyday life. While previous participants focused primarily on controlling digital cursors or playing video games, the integration of high-fidelity AI voice cloning highlights the potential for these devices to restore fundamental human interactions.