Neuralink has been working towards creating a brain implant that could allow us to use only our brains to interact with computers, and with Elon Musk's latest announcement, the brain-computer interface company may have just taken a big step in the right direction.
Elon Musk Announces Human Trial Success
The tech billionaire has been talking about this project since he founded Neuralink back in 2016. After eight years, one can understand why Musk was eager to announce that the company's first human trial was a success.
The patient, who underwent surgery to have the brain chip implanted a few weeks ago, has fully recovered, as stated by the Neuralink co-founder. In a post on X, Musk stated that the patient was "able to control the mouse, move the mouse around the screen just by thinking,"
This signifies that there have been no complications so far, and that the operation was more or less a success. However, this doesn't imply that Neuralink has reached its ultimate goal. After all, the recent success is still part of the trial phase of the project.
Moving forward, Neuralink aims to reach the point where the patient will be able to get several "button presses" solely through thought. Musk has yet to provide proof of the claim, but if it is the case, then we are closer to having the technology provide benefits for people with impairments.
Neuralink announced that it was looking for volunteers back in September 2023. The company sought volunteers who had lost motor abilities due to medical conditions and were willing to undergo the procedure, which would be performed by a robot.
Read Also: Elon Musk Claims Neuralink Has Successfully Conducted Its First Human Trial
Neuralink's Ultimate Goal
With the brain implant being able to process neural signals, it could eventually be used to control robotic limbs and give back autonomy to those who lost certain motor functions. These are usually people who have quadriplegia.
The implant itself called the N1 is sealed in a biocompatible enclosure and is powered by a small battery. It is charged wirelessly from the outside using an inductive charger. It will then be implanted using Neuralink's surgical robot called the R1.
Given that the procedure requires a certain level of precision, the robot is designed to efficiently insert the ultra-thin threads where they should be placed. The same robot was used to implant the chip in the first human patient's brain, meaning that the R1 functions as it should.
The idea of moving a robotic limb is no longer a distant possibility. The company could partner with several robot developers to manufacture robotic limbs that can communicate with the interface. It's also possible that Tesla try its hand at creating the said controllable limbs.
While the progress with its humanoid robot Optimus isn't advancing at the same pace as the development of the brain-computer interface chip, video demonstrations indicate ongoing improvements. Either way, Neuralink will eventually be able to apply its technology and help many disabled people regain motor function.
