Neuralink owner and co-founder Elon Musk has announced a significant development in the brain-computer interface (BCI) research field.
The US neurotech firm has successfully implanted its computer chip into its first human test patient, achieving a milestone in the innovative space.
Musk revealed on X late Monday that the participant received the implant yesterday and is recovering well. Early findings indicated “promising neuron spike detection,” according to Musk.
Neuralink’s first venture into BCI focuses on deciphering signals related to intended movements from brain activity to enable control of outside devices like computers.
That serving as the starting point, the Tesla chief also revealed the idea for the California-based firm’s first product, which is telepathy.
Musk targets people with disabilities as the first users of such a tool, looking to help them communicate more quickly than a speed typist or auctioneer.
Neuralink has previously stated that it aims to empower individuals to operate a computer cursor or keyboard using solely their thoughts.
In September 2023, the company received approval from the federal regulators at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to start human tests, marking a significant step in the startup’s mission to assist patients in overcoming paralysis and other neurological conditions with its implants.
Neuralink’s Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface (PRIME) is a trial medical device for wireless BCI that examines an implant’s and surgical robot’s safety.
However, the company has yet to provide further information about the progress of its study following allegations of animal cruelty.
PCRM Condemns Neuralink Chip for Monkey as Test Subjects
While many research institutions and private firms are developing BCI technology, only a few have surgical implants involved.
Animal rights group the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has long criticized Neuralink’s methods.
The PCRM said implanted devices, such as Neuralink’s, present several issues, including challenges in fixing the product and the significant risk of serious medical problems in patients.
The group also claimed that Musk’s neurotech company had violated the federal Animal Welfare Act and criticized the regulatory agency involved in the matter for allegedly providing Neuralink with a “free pass” from the issue.
Photos of Neuralink’s animal test subjects surfaced in November, leading the PCRM to accuse the firm of “mutilating and killing monkeys,” citing instances of “chronic infections, paralysis, seizures, and death.”
The group has requested Neuralink to cease animal testing and redirect its efforts to enhancing noninvasive brain-machine interfaces.
However, Neuralink’s surgical technique is not exclusive.
Last summer in New York, neural implants reenabled a paralyzed man’s arm movements and sense of touch.
