Neuralink, the brain-chip startup spearheaded by visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk, in a groundbreaking development, achieved a major milestone on Sunday with its first successful human patient implant.
The recipient of the pioneering brain-chip is reportedly recovering well, and Musk, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed optimism by stating, “Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.”
He further explained that the implanted chip would enable users to control devices like phones or computers through mere thoughts.
The chip’s capabilities extend to controlling almost any device, making it a revolutionary leap in the field of brain-computer interfaces.
According to the National Institute of Health, neuron spikes represent activity by brain cells, utilizing electrical and chemical signals to transmit information.
Having received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year for human trials, Neuralink has been progressing toward its goal of aiding patients dealing with paralysis and various neurological conditions.
The PRIME Study, part of the trial, focuses on evaluating the safety of the wireless brain-computer interface and the surgical robot involved.
Neuralink’s method involves using ultra-fine threads to transmit signals within participants’ brains, aiming to empower them to control a computer cursor or keyboard solely through their thoughts.
Elon Musk shared in a separate post that the first product to emerge from Neuralink’s ambitious endeavors would be called “Telepathy.”
Despite this achievement, the company has faced scrutiny over safety protocols, with fines reported for violating transportation rules.
Valued at approximately $5 billion last June, Neuralink attracted regulatory attention after lawmakers requested a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation into Musk’s transparency about the technology’s safety, following reports of issues with implants on monkeys.
Musk, addressing concerns, previously asserted on social media that “no monkey has died as a result of a Neuralink implant.”
He explained the company’s approach of choosing “terminal” monkeys to minimize risks to healthy ones, emphasizing the commitment to safety in advancing the frontiers of brain-chip technology.
