Neuralink, the brain-machine interface startup founded by Elon Musk, has achieved a significant milestone as its first human patient appears to have fully recovered and demonstrated the ability to control a computer mouse using only their thoughts. Musk shared the news during a social media event on X, stating that the patient has shown no adverse effects following the implantation of Neuralink's brain-chip.
According to Musk, the patient's progress is promising, with the individual successfully maneuvering a mouse cursor on a screen through sheer mental commands. Currently, Neuralink's focus is on maximizing the patient's ability to execute mouse clicks solely through their thoughts.
This achievement follows Neuralink's recent success in implanting a chip into its inaugural human subject, marking a significant advancement in the field of brain-computer interfaces. The startup received approval for human trial recruitment last September and has since been dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions to enable individuals to control devices using their minds.
Neuralink's approach involves utilizing a robotic system to precisely implant the brain-computer interface in the area of the brain responsible for motor intentions. Initially, the aim is to empower individuals to manipulate computer cursors or keyboards purely through their thoughts, offering new possibilities for those with mobility limitations.
Beyond this milestone, Musk envisions a future where Neuralink's technology could revolutionize healthcare by facilitating swift surgical insertions of chip devices to address various conditions such as obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia. However, the company has faced scrutiny regarding safety protocols, with recent reports of fines for non-compliance with transportation regulations.
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