Harnessing body fat for neural communication
Brain-computer interface(opens in new window) (BCI) technology has promising applications in restoring movement and sensation to people living with paralysis, neurological disease, or limb loss. BCIs enable direct communication between the brain and an external device such as a robotic limb, allowing users to bypass the muscle and nerve pathways and control these devices using only their thoughts. However, current systems are either surgically implanted or use cumbersome wires and invasive connectors that increase infection risk.
Intra-body communication through fat
To address these limitations, the EU-funded B-CRATOS(opens in new window) project developed a breakthrough technology called fat intra-body communication (FAT-IBC). This novel platform uses human body fat as a safe and efficient medium to transmit neural signals at unprecedented speed. “Our goal was to remove the physical barriers that limit today’s BCIs while maintaining the high data throughput necessary for natural movement and sensory feedback,” explains project coordinator Robin Augustine. The B-CRATOS team discovered that adipose tissue acts as a natural waveguide for microwave signals, thanks to its low permittivity and conductivity compared to muscle and skin. Implantable electronics connected to neural interface arrays, acquire and digitise brain signals and transmit them through this layer of fat at speeds in excess of 32 Mbs. The system operates without bulky batteries by using wireless power transfer, ensuring long-term safety and biocompatibility.
Safe communication throughout the body
To assess technical feasibility, the consortium conducted a series of bench and phantom studies designed to simulate adipose tissue. These experiments(opens in new window) demonstrated that body fat can support safe, high-bandwidth transmission, serving as a reliable communication medium. The B-CRATOS platform has been engineered for bidirectional communication, facilitating both the execution of motor commands and the provision of real-time sensory feedback. This dual capability is essential for prosthetic devices that aim to restore, not only voluntary movement, but also tactile sensation and proprioception. Compared to conventional solutions, FAT-IBC presents several advantages. It eliminates the need for percutaneous connectors, operates without internal batteries and supports dexterous, finger-level control. Furthermore, integration with machine learning algorithms optimises adaptive decoding, thereby enabling more intuitive and naturalistic movement.
Applications and future prospects
Although the most profound application of FAT-IBC is neuroprosthetics, the implications are far broader. Beyond FAT-IBC, the B-CRATOS consortium advanced multiple enabling technologies, ranging from adaptive machine learning decoders to power-efficient implant architectures, ensuring that the project delivers not only a single breakthrough but a foundation of innovations for next-generation medical devices. The B-CRATOS technology lays the foundation for interoperable implant ecosystems where devices for cardiac monitoring, intelligent drug delivery, neuromodulation, or even bioelectronic medicine can communicate seamlessly. “Our technology opens the door to a new era of medical device ecosystems, where implants and wearables work together to monitor, treat, and even prevent disease,” highlights Augustine. The platform’s modular architecture presents a unique commercialisation advantage since its individual parts (wireless communication, power transfer, neural decoding, and biocompatible electronics) can mature independently and address different healthcare markets. Future goals include deployment of the system in neuromodulation for chronic pain management and rehabilitation. Long-term, the vision is to generate a network of smart implants that support continuous monitoring and personalised medicine. As Augustine concludes: “B-CRATOS is more than a BCI, it is a platform that redefines how implants communicate, creating the infrastructure for connected health solutions that will benefit millions.”
