Blackrock Neurotech, formerly known as Blackrock Microsystems, is one of the oldest BCI-focused companies still in existence. Blackrock derives from a legacy of high-tech innovation that began with Bionic Technologies, a spin-off from the University of Utah in 1997. The company started by Brian Hatt and Prof. Richard A. Normann (inventor of the Utah Electrode Array), was later taken over by Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems, Inc. (CKI). After achieving major strides in applying neuroscience research technology to the human body, Blackrock Microsystems LLC of Salt Lake City, Utah acquired CKI’s research business in May 2008.

Among other products, Blackrock offers the Utah array, which is a tiny 10x10 platinum and silicon electrode grid designed to penetrate the surface of the cortex and record from single neurons. The Utah array was the first invasive BCI to be implanted in a human (nearly 20 years ago) and has been an important piece of many foundational BCI studies since then. The Utah array can often pick up signals from several dozen neurons. The electrodes on the array are also equipped to stimulate the brain. The Utah array is used as part of the Cortivis implant to stimulate early visual cortex. As of February 2023, 30+ people had received this implant via clinical trials to control robot limbs, computer programs, and more.

Blackrock is working to develop a wireless system (fully implantable) to minimize infection risk and is also looking towards commercializing their system.

Visual Prostheses

• Utah Intracortical Electrode Array

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