Based in the US, the brain chip start-up aims to restore independence and enhance lives through its brain-computer interface technology, and it is expected to facilitate fast and reliable computer control by prioritising the ease of use
Musk's Neuralink implants a brain chip in a human for the first time. (Credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has announced that his brain-computer interface firm Neuralink has implanted a brain chip in a human for the first time.
In a post on X, Musk stated that the patient is recovering well, and the initial results show promising neuron spike detection.
Based in the US, the brain chip start-up aims to restore independence and enhance lives through its brain-computer interface experience. It is expected to allow fast and reliable computer control by prioritising the ease of use.
According to Neuralink, the company’s brain-computer interface is fully implantable, cosmetically invisible, and designed to let the users control a computer or mobile device anywhere.
In May 2023, the company announced through social media that it received the US Food and Drug Administration’s approval to launch the first-in-human clinical study. Neuralink also opened the first-in-human clinical trial recruitment in September last year.
Musk said that the first product from Neuralink is called Telepathy, and it will help users to control their devices.
He posted on X, saying: “Enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking.
“Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs.
“Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.”
In August last year, Neuralink secured $280m in a Series D funding round led by Founders Fund, a San Fransisco-based venture capital firm backed by billionaire Peter Thiel. The funding has been expected to help Neuralink in further developing its brain implant technology.
This follows a Series C round announced in July 2021 in which the brain-computer interface startup raked in $205m.