Elon Musk, the founder of Neuralink, announced that the initial human recipient of a brain-chip implant from the company has shown complete recovery and can now operate a computer mouse through mind control.
During a Spaces event on social media platform X, Musk expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by the patient, highlighting a complete recovery and the notable neural effects. He further mentioned the patient’s remarkable ability to control the movement of a mouse on the screen solely through their thoughts, reports Reuters.
Musk stated that Neuralink is currently striving to maximize the number of mouse button clicks obtained from the patient. Reuters’ request for additional information was not promptly answered by Neuralink.
Following the approval for human trial recruitment in September, the company achieved successful implantation of a chip on its inaugural human patient just last month.
The research involves the utilization of a robot to precisely implant a brain-computer interface in a specific area of the brain responsible for controlling the intention to move, as stated by Neuralink. The primary objective is to empower individuals to manipulate a computer cursor or keyboard through their thoughts.
Musk has vast aspirations for Neuralink, asserting that it would enable swift surgical implantations of its chip devices to address ailments such as obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia.
Neuralink, valued at approximately $5 billion in the previous year, has been under constant pressure to improve its safety procedures.
According to Reuters, the company was recently penalized for breaching regulations set by the US Department of Transportation concerning the transportation of dangerous substances.
