Neuralink
SAN FRANCISCO: In a significant update, Elon Musk announced on Tuesday that his neurotechnology startup, Neuralink, has successfully implanted a brain interface in its first human patient, yielding “promising” initial results. Musk, who co-founded Neuralink in 2016, aims to establish direct communication channels between the human brain and computers, envisioning the augmentation of human capabilities and the potential treatment of neurological disorders like ALS or Parkinson’s.
The groundbreaking development is part of Neuralink’s broader mission to forge a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. Elon Musk expressed optimism in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The first human received an implant from Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well. Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.”
The first @Neuralink product is called Telepathy
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2024
Enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 30, 2024
Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs.
Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.
Neuralink secured approval from US regulators last year to initiate testing of its brain implants in human subjects. The technology primarily operates through an implant known as the “Link,” a device approximately the size of five stacked coins inserted into the human brain through invasive surgery.
While Musk often captures headlines for his ventures, he is not alone in the field of brain-machine interface research. Neuralink, based in California, employed over 400 people last year and raised a substantial amount, totaling at least $363 million, according to data from Pitchbook.
Despite the acclaim, Musk faced delays in Neuralink’s progress, prompting him to explore collaboration with implant developer Synchron for a potential investment. The success of Neuralink’s first human implant marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of advanced brain-computer interface technologies, opening new avenues for understanding and enhancing human cognition.
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