In a significant leap forward for Neuralink, the brain-chip startup founded by Elon Musk, the first human patient received an implant on Sunday, with Elon Musk confirming successful initial results and a promising detection of neuron spikes. Musk shared the update on the social media platform X, revealing the positive recovery of the patient.
Neuralink received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year to conduct its inaugural human trial, a pivotal step in realizing the startup’s ambitious goals of aiding patients dealing with paralysis and various neurological conditions. The trial involves the use of a robot to surgically implant a brain-computer interface (BCI) in a brain region responsible for movement intentions. The primary objective is to empower individuals to control a computer cursor or keyboard through their thoughts alone.
Describing the threads of the implants as “ultra-fine,” Neuralink aims to facilitate signal transmission within participants’ brains. Musk also disclosed that the initial product from Neuralink will be named Telepathy, emphasizing the startup’s mission to enable direct communication through brain-machine interfaces.
The PRIME Study, Neuralink’s ongoing trial, focuses on assessing the safety of the wireless brain-computer interface and the surgical robot. While the company did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for further details, this development underscores Neuralink’s commitment to advancing neurotechnology.
Despite this achievement, Neuralink has faced scrutiny, including fines for violating U.S. Department of Transportation rules. Lawmakers have also called for an SEC investigation, expressing concerns about safety after reports of issues in monkey experiments, including paralysis and seizures. Elon Musk, in response, asserted that no monkey had died due to a Neuralink implant and highlighted the company’s commitment to minimizing risks in its trials.