Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface business, Neuralink, has achieved a major first by implanting its device into a second patient. The company’s goal is to enable people with spinal cord injuries to communicate with digital gadgets solely through mental processes, and this achievement is a step toward that goal.
Musk claims that the first patient has already been able to do a variety of tasks with the gadget, such as playing video games, surfing the internet, posting on social media, and using a laptop’s cursor. The news, which highlights the potential of Neuralink’s technology to improve the lives of those with severe movement limitations, is made in the midst of ongoing clinical trials.
During a podcast released late Friday, Musk revealed that the second patient, who also has a spinal cord injury, is benefiting from the implant. While details about this new participant remain sparse, Musk shared that 400 of the device’s 1,024 electrodes are currently active and functioning well.
“I don’t want to jinx it but it seems to have gone extremely well with the second implant,” Musk told podcast host Lex Fridman. “There’s a lot of signal, a lot of electrodes. It’s working very well.”
Neuralink’s implant represents a significant leap forward in brain-computer interface technology. The device is designed to bridge the gap between the brain and external devices, enabling users to control digital interfaces with thought alone.
The first patient, Noland Arbaugh, received his implant in January and has shared his experiences with the technology. Before the implant, Arbaugh used a stick in his mouth to operate a tablet. Now, he can control his computer merely by thinking, which has granted him a new level of independence and reduced his reliance on caregivers.
However, the journey has not been without challenges. After his initial surgery, Arbaugh faced issues when the tiny wires of his implant retracted, significantly decreasing the number of electrodes capable of measuring brain signals. This problem was anticipated based on Neuralink’s animal trials, as reported by Reuters. Neuralink responded by adjusting the implant’s algorithm to enhance its sensitivity and restore functionality. Musk highlighted that despite the issue, Arbaugh has improved on his previous world record for cursor control speed, even with only 10 to 15% of the electrodes operational. This recovery demonstrates both the resilience of the technology and the company’s commitment to overcoming obstacles.
Neuralink intends to greatly increase the scope of its clinical trials in the meantime. Within the year, Musk said, the business hopes to implant the gadget in eight more patients. This expansion is an important step toward confirming the safety and efficacy of the technology on a broader scale. Neuralink’s developments could revolutionize the assistive technology industry in addition to enhancing the lives of those who suffer from spinal cord injuries. The second implant’s success and the device’s continuous development demonstrate Neuralink’s commitment to expanding the realm of brain-computer interface technology.