A major milestone has been achieved by Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface company Neuralink. According to Musk, the first human patient has successfully received an implanted Neuralink device.
While no details were provided on the individual or procedure, Musk stated that the patient “is recovering well” just one day after the surgery. He also mentioned promising initial results in the device’s ability to detect neuron spikes in the brain.
This implant likely came as part of Neuralink’s first FDA-approved clinical trial, which began recruiting quadriplegic patients and those with ALS last fall. The company aims to give such individuals the ability to control a computer cursor or keyboard using thought alone.
The apparent success of this initial human implementation is a major step for Neuralink after facing scrutiny recently over animal welfare violations. It brings the company closer to longer-term goals of enabling augmented reality experiences and restoring motor functions for the paralyzed via brain signaling.
As the trial progresses, more data on the safety and capabilities of Neuralink’s implanted devices will emerge. But the clearing of this first human surgery hurdle already represents years of research and development coming to fruition. It marks a tangible leap from animal testing into a pioneering trial that could one day transform lives. While more information is still needed, Elon Musk and his Neuralink team can take pride in this patient now “recovering well” on the road to an enhanced human-computer interface future they have envisaged.
