Neuralink successfully implanted its device in the second patient

Neuralink has successfully implanted its device in a second patient, aiming to enable paralyzed individuals to control digital devices purely through thought, according to a statement from Elon Musk.

Neuralink is conducting trials of its device to assist people with spinal cord injuries. The first patient, who received the implant, has been able to play video games, browse the internet, post on social media, and control a cursor on his laptop through thought alone.

Musk discussed this progress in a podcast, revealing that the second participant also has a spinal cord injury similar to the first patient, who was paralyzed in a diving accident. The second patient’s implant is currently utilizing 400 active electrodes in the brain, while Neuralink’s website states that the same device can support up to 1,024 electrodes.

When asked about the battery life of the second implant, Musk responded humorously, “I don’t want to jinx it, but it seems to have gone extremely well with the second implant.” He also mentioned that the device is performing exceptionally well, noting the significant signal strength and electrode activity.

Musk did not specify when the second patient would undergo surgery but mentioned plans to implant the device in an additional eight patients this year.

Noland Arbaugh, the first patient to receive the Neuralink implant, also participated in the podcast along with three Neuralink executives who provided details on how the implant and the robot-assisted surgery work.

Before receiving his implant in January, Arbaugh used a stick held in his mouth to tap the screen of a tablet device. Now, with the implant, he can control his computer simply by thinking about what he wants to do, and the device executes the action. Arbaugh shared that the implant has granted him a level of independence and reduced his reliance on caregivers.