Elon Musk’s company Neuralink has implanted its brain-computer interface (BCI) device into a third patient. The announcement was made during an event in Las Vegas, which Musk streamed on his X platform. He revealed that all three patients are doing well with the implants.
“We’ve got now three humans with Neuralinks implanted, and they’re all working well,” Musk said, adding that the company plans to carry out 20 to 30 more implants this year.
Neuralink, founded by Musk in 2016, aims to create brain implants that help people with severe neurological conditions. The company’s technology has been designed to assist patients with paralysis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and similar disorders. The startup’s work represents one of many efforts in the neurotechnology space to bridge the gap between human brains and external devices.
A year ago, Neuralink implanted its first device in patient Noland Arbaugh. Since then, the company has made steady progress in refining its technology. Early in 2024, the second patient received the implant and has been using it to play video games and explore 3D design.
Neuralink has two clinical studies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The first, called the “Prime Study,” is set to include five patients. It enables paralyzed individuals to control devices like computers and smartphones using only their thoughts. The second, known as the “Convoy Study,” involves three patients and focuses on controlling assistive robotic arms.
The implants are inserted using Neuralink’s surgical robot, which targets the brain region responsible for movement. The robot places ultra-fine threads into the brain tissue. These threads decode neural signals and translate them into commands for external devices, making them a major innovation in brain-computer interface technology.
Musk has emphasized that these procedures remain experimental and involve opening the skull to implant the electrodes. Despite the challenges, the advancements represent hope for patients with conditions that limit mobility and communication.
Neuralink’s achievements reflect the combined expertise of its founding team, which includes scientists and engineers specializing in neuroscience, biochemistry, and robotics. Since its founding, the company has pushed the boundaries of what brain-computer technology can achieve.
As Neuralink plans for up to 30 more implants this year, its work signals a significant step toward making brain-machine interfaces a practical reality. While still in early stages, the technology holds promise for revolutionizing how patients interact with the world around them.
2/2
4o
