Elon Musk announced that the first human subject implanted with Neuralink's cerebral chip is on a positive recovery trajectory.
The visionary entrepreneur also unveiled the terminology of the pioneering product – 'Telepathy.'
Musk envisions that this innovative technology will empower individuals with disabilities, similar to Stephen Hawking, to "communicate faster than an auctioneer."
"Initial results show promising neuron spike detection," Musk conveyed via a post on the social media platform X this Monday.
The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2024
Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.
The National Institute of Health elaborately describes spikes, indicating neural activity, as cells employing electrical and chemical signals to transmit information throughout the brain and body.
Musk affirmed that the 'Telepathy' chip would "enable control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking."
Having obtained clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration last year for its maiden human trial, Neuralink has achieved a pivotal milestone in its pursuit of aiding patients dealing with paralysis and various neurological disorders.
In September, Neuralink secured approval to commence human trial recruitment. The research employs a robotic setup for the precise placement of a brain-computer interface (BCI) implant in the region governing intentional movement.
The primary objective of the venture is to enable individuals to manipulate a computer cursor or keyboard solely through cognitive impulses.
Neuralink affirms that the "ultra-fine" threads of the implants play a crucial role in transmitting signals within the participants' brains.
The ongoing PRIME Study by the startup serves as a trial for its wireless brain-computer interface, evaluating the safety of both the implant and the surgical robot.
Nevertheless, the company has encountered demands for scrutiny regarding its safety protocols. Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones witnessed the reinstatement of his X account after a poll conducted by Elon Musk.
This month, Neuralink incurred a fine for violating US Department of Transportation rules concerning the transportation of hazardous materials.
While valued at approximately $5 billion in June of the previous year, the company faced allegations from four politicians in late November.
They urged the US Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate whether Musk had deceived investors about the safety of the technology.
Veterinary records pointed to issues with the implants on monkeys, encompassing paralysis, seizures, and brain swelling.
Musk, in a social media proclamation in September, asserted that "no monkey has died as a result of a Neuralink implant."
He clarified that the company deliberately selected "terminal" monkeys to minimize risks to healthier counterparts.
