Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain chip implant startup, has revealed a problem with its first test subject's implant, just weeks after it was inserted. The issue, which the company claims has been fixed, involved the chip's connective threads retracting from the subject's brain, hindering data speeds and effectiveness.
Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic since 2016, was the first human patient to receive the implant in January as part of the PRIME Study trial. The trial aims to test the safety and functionality of the implant and surgical robot. The chip is designed to record and send brain signals to an app, with the initial goal of allowing people to control a computer cursor or keyboard with their thoughts.
About a month after the operation, Elon Musk announced that Arbaugh could control a computer mouse with his brain. However, the company recently revealed that the implant's connective threads had retracted, reducing its performance. Neuralink has since made the implant more sensitive to increase its performance.
The company's ambition is to use implants to connect human brains to computers, helping paralyzed people control smartphones or computers and blind people regain sight. The implant collects electrical signals sent out by the brain and interprets them as actions.
While Neuralink's technology has the potential to revolutionize the lives of people with disabilities, it is still in the trial phase and requires broader regulatory approval before it can be widely available. The company has received FDA clearance for trials and has informed the agency about the issue.
Neuralink's first product, Telepathy, aims to enable people who have lost the use of their limbs to communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. As Elon Musk said, "Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal."
While the issue with the first test subject's implant is concerning, Neuralink's quick response and solution are promising. The company's commitment to developing this groundbreaking technology has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide.
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