After a search for volunteers to test its implants, Neuralink has finally taken the plunge with a first human brain. Three weeks after the surgical intervention, the neurotechnology company delivered its first results through the voice of its founder Elon Musk, during the X Spaces conference.
According to the tycoon, the patient recovered from the operation. And by the sheer force of his thoughts, he would be able to direct the cursor of a computer mouse. Quoted by Reuters, the billionaire said that “progress is good and the patient appears to have made a full recovery, with no negative effects that we are aware ofâ€.
The Neuralink N1 chip is implanted in the skull of this volunteer and connected by connectivity as fine as a human hair. The wires contain 1024 electrodes that pick up signals and stimulate millions of neurons. These signals are then transferred wirelessly, then processed and interpreted. The company was authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct this first clinical study on a human last May, with implementation taking place in January last.
Neuralink wants to heal serious injuries
Called brain computer interface (or ICU), this technology would (in theory) help people affected by serious illnesses or injuries. Among Neuralink’s promises is the possibility that patients will regain their sight or walk again. Of course, others are more interested in improving human capabilities, such as mind control of connected devices in the case of this patient.