20-2-2024 (SAN FRANCISCO) Elon Musk, the founder of Neuralink, announced on Monday that the first human patient implanted with a brain chip from the innovative startup has reportedly fully recovered. Notably, the patient is now capable of controlling a computer mouse solely through their thoughts, demonstrating a significant breakthrough in neurotechnology.
Speaking during a Spaces event on the social media platform X, Musk shared the positive progress of the Neuralink project. “Progress is good, and the patient seems to have made a full recovery, with neural effects that we are aware of. The patient is able to move a mouse around the screen by just thinking,” Musk revealed.
He further mentioned that Neuralink’s focus is currently on maximizing the number of mouse button clicks achieved through the patient’s thoughts.
Last month, Neuralink successfully implanted a brain-computer interface chip in its first human patient after obtaining approval for human trial recruitment in September. The procedure involves the use of a robot to surgically place the implant in a specific region of the brain responsible for controlling the intention to move. The primary objective of the study is to empower individuals to control a computer cursor or keyboard through their thoughts.
Elon Musk envisions Neuralink’s technology going beyond these initial applications, with plans to expedite surgical insertions of its chip devices to address conditions such as obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia.
While Neuralink’s progress is met with excitement and potential, the startup has faced scrutiny over its safety protocols. Last month, Reuters reported that Neuralink received fines for violating US Department of Transportation rules related to the transportation of hazardous materials.
