Elon Musk’s Neuralink Successfully Implants Chip in Human Brain
In a groundbreaking development, Elon Musk announced that his company Neuralink has achieved a major milestone by successfully implanting one of its chip implants into a human brain.
The billionaire shared the news on X, revealing that the patient who underwent the surgery on Sunday is recovering well. Initial results from the procedure show promising neuron spike detection, marking a significant advancement in technology.
Neuralink’s ultimate goal is to establish a connection between human brains and computers, offering potential solutions for neurological conditions and unlocking untapped human potential in the future, as stated on the company’s website.
This achievement signifies the beginning of Neuralink’s journey towards commercial use, following the approval from the US medical regulator, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for the company’s first trial in May last year.
The innovative procedure involves the insertion of 64 flexible threads into a specific part of the brain responsible for controlling movement intention. These ultra-fine threads require the precision of a robot for implantation and enable the chip to record and transmit brain signals to an app. The app then decodes the signals to interpret a person’s movement intentions.
Powered by a wireless rechargeable battery, the implant represents a cutting-edge technology that holds immense potential for future applications.
Elon Musk also revealed on X, his social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, that Neuralink’s first product will be named Telepathy. This revolutionary product will allow users to control their phones, computers, and a wide range of devices simply by using their thoughts. Initially, Telepathy is expected to benefit individuals who have lost the use of their limbs.
Describing the vision for Telepathy, Musk emphasized the possibility of enabling faster communication than a skilled typist or auctioneer, with the ultimate goal of enhancing communication abilities for individuals like the late Stephen Hawking.
While Neuralink’s achievement is groundbreaking, it is worth noting that the company is not the first to venture into brain chip implants. Another US tech company, Blackrock Neurotech, began implanting brain-computer interfaces as early as 2004, showcasing the continuous evolution of this cutting-edge technology. — Euronews
