Elon Musk, the founder of Neuralink, announced during a Spaces event on the social media platform X that the first human recipient of a brain chip from Neuralink has fully recovered and can control a computer mouse using their thoughts.
Musk revealed encouraging progress regarding the first human patient implanted with a brain chip from Neuralink, stating, “Progress is good, and the patient seems to have made a full recovery, with no ill effects that we are aware of. The patient can move a mouse around the screen by just thinking.” This breakthrough marks a significant advancement in the field of neurotechnology.
Musk also mentioned that Neuralink is focused on maximizing the patient’s ability to interact with the computer interface, stating, “Neuralink was now trying to get as many mouse button clicks as possible from the patient.” However, further details regarding the patient’s progress were not immediately available from Neuralink.
The successful implantation of the brain-computer interface chip on the first human patient occurred last month, following approval for human trial recruitment in September. This groundbreaking study involves using a robot to precisely place the implant in a specific brain region responsible for controlling movement intentions. The study’s primary objective is to enable individuals to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts, showcasing the potential of neural technology in enhancing human-computer interaction.
Elon Musk’s vision for Neuralink extends beyond mere computer control, as he aims to utilize the technology to treat various medical conditions. He envisions the swift surgical insertion of Neuralink’s chip devices to address conditions such as obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia, highlighting the transformative potential of neurotechnology in healthcare.
Despite the promising advancements, Neuralink has faced scrutiny regarding its safety protocols. The firm has been subject to fines for violating US Department of Transportation regulations related to transporting hazardous materials. This underscores the importance of ensuring rigorous safety measures in developing and implementing neurotechnological innovations.
The successful brain chip implantation from Neuralink represents a significant milestone in neurotechnology, with implications for medical treatment and human-computer interaction.