Published 20:29 IST, January 11th 2025
Elon Musk's Neuralink Implants One More Chip; Third Human With Brain-Computer Device
Advances in machine learning provide new ways to interpret brain signals without surgical risks.
- Technology
- 2 min read
Elon Musk’s company Neuralink has achieved a significant milestone by implanting its brain-computer interface (BCI) device in three patients now, with plans to conduct 20–30 more procedures this year.
Musk informed about the third human during the Las Vegas event which was broadcast on his X social media as well as reported by Bloomberg.
"We've now got three humans with Neuralinks implanted, and they're all working well,"
Neuralink: Advancing Treatment for Paralysis and ALS
Neuralink’s technology aims to revolutionize care for severe conditions such as paralysis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These experimental procedures involve implanting electrodes directly into brain tissue, offering new hope for patients with severe disabilities.
Neuralink has registered two studies with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The studies include the Prime Study, which focuses on enabling paralyzed patients to control devices like computers and smartphones, and the Convoy Study, which helps users control assistive robotic arms.
Neuralink: How Does It Work
Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, has successfully implanted a brain chip in a human for the first time. Advances in machine learning provide new ways to interpret brain signals without surgical risks. At the heart of Neuralink’s success is its innovative use of ultra-fine threads and machine learning to interpret brain signals with exceptional precision.
These implants allow individuals to control external devices, like computers and robotic arms, using only their thoughts. Neuralink employs a cutting-edge surgical robot to implant ultra-fine threads into the brain, decoding neural signals and translating them into actionable commands.
Neuralink: Previous Patients
The first among the Neuralink brain implants was Noland Arbaugh, 29 years old who had gained quadriplegia following a diving accident. His implant permitted him to perform tasks, such as playing video games, browsing the internet, posting to social media, and moving a cursor on his laptop, using only his thoughts.
The second patient, Alex, was a car mechanic who specialized in the repair of cars and machinery. After getting his spinal cord injury, Alex found himself wanting to learn how to design 3D objects. The Neuralink implant has given him a platform to master 3D design software using the technology to fill gaps between aspirations and physical limitations.
Updated 20:29 IST, January 11th 2025