Elon Musk, founder of Neuralink, announced on Monday that the first human patient implanted with a brain-chip from the startup has exhibited a complete recovery and can manipulate a computer mouse solely through thought. Musk shared this update during a Spaces event on the social media platform X.
“Progress is good, and the patient seems to have made a full recovery, with neural effects that we are aware of. The patient is able to move a mouse around the screen by just thinking,” Musk stated during the event.
He further revealed that Neuralink is actively working to maximize the number of mouse button clicks achievable through the patient’s thoughts.
Despite Reuters’ request for additional details, Neuralink did not provide an immediate response.
The successful chip implantation occurred last month after the company received approval for human trial recruitment in September. The study employs a robot for the surgical placement of a brain-computer interface implant in a brain region controlling the intention to move. Neuralink’s initial objective is to empower individuals to control a computer cursor or keyboard through their thoughts.
Elon Musk envisions broad applications for Neuralink, aiming to facilitate swift surgical insertions of chip devices to address conditions such as obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia.
While Neuralink, valued at approximately $5 billion last year, continues to make strides in neurotechnology, it has faced scrutiny over safety protocols. Reuters reported last month that the firm incurred fines for violating U.S. Department of Transportation rules related to the transportation of hazardous materials.
