Elon Musk announced on Tuesday that Neuralink, his neurotechnology startup, has successfully installed a brain implant in its inaugural human patient, yielding “promising” initial results.
Neuralink, co-founded by Musk in 2016, is dedicated to creating direct communication interfaces between the human brain and computers.
The ultimate goal of the venture is to enhance human capabilities significantly, address neurological disorders such as ALS or Parkinson’s, and potentially establish a symbiotic relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Musk revealed the significant milestone.
“The first human received an implant from Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well,” he stated.
Musk further expressed optimism by noting, “Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.”
He also revealed that the Neuralink brain implant will allow users to control devices like phones or computers simply by thinking.
“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,” he added.
Last year, Neuralink secured a major regulatory approval when the FDA gave the green light for the company’s first human trial to evaluate its brain implant device.
The FDA clearance represented a crucial step forward for Neuralink on the path to eventually commercializing its neurotechnology and making it available to patients.