Neuralink, the startup founded by Elon Musk, has begun accepting applications for a second participant in its clinical trial involving the implantation of a brain chip.
Neuralink is accepting applications for the second participant.
This is our Telepathy cybernetic brain implant that allows you to control your phone and computer just by thinking.
No one better than Noland (@ModdedQuad) himself to tell you about the first! https://t.co/k9DaZ3xr5g
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 17, 2024
“This is our Telepathy cybernetic brain implant that allows you to control your phone and computer just by thinking,” the billionaire wrote.
He added that no one can describe the first brain chip better than the sole volunteer so far. Neuralink successfully conducted the operation in January 2024, and a month later reported the patient had completed a rehabilitation course. The man, paralyzed below the neck, was able to control a computer mouse without using his hands.
In March, the volunteer demonstrated his skills during a broadcast on the media platform X. According to him, the technology is still imperfect but has the potential to change many lives.
However, in May, Neuralink reported an issue with the implant—several contacts of the device, which read neural signals, had detached from the brain. No adverse health effects for the patient were specified. Representatives of the startup stated that modifications had been made to enhance the chip’s efficiency.
The project’s aim is to integrate the human brain with computers to assist people with severe neurological disorders. For instance, paralyzed patients could control digital devices with their thoughts.
The operations employ a highly precise surgical robot that implants 64 special threads, thinner than a human hair, into the brain. The technology transmits neural signals, which are converted into specific actions such as limb movement.
Neuralink received approval for human trials in May 2023 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recruitment of the first test subjects began in September.
In March, Musk announced a vision-restoring product from the startup called Blindsight.