Elon Musk.Photo:Nathan Laine/Bloomberg via Getty
Nathan Laine/Bloomberg via Getty
Elon Musksays Neuralink’s first human trial participant, who had a chipimplanted in their brainin January, can already accomplish some stunning feats, including moving a computer mouse with just their thoughts.
During a Spaces event on X (formerly known as Twitter), the 52-year-old Neuralink founder said the subject “seems to have made a full recovery” with no “ill effects that we are aware of,” according toReutersandCNN.
“We’re trying to get as many button presses as possible from thinking, so that’s what we’re currently working on," the billionaire said on Monday, per CNN. “Can we get left mouse, right mouse, mouse down, mouse up?”
The chip inserted into the subject’s brain is about the size of a quarter and has dozens of tiny threadlike electrodes. The new technology was placed in part of the brain that controls movement, according toReutersand CNN.
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The billionaire has previously said he hopes the technology will be able to provide treatment for a number of conditions, including depression and schizophrenia, per Reuters.
“Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs,” he said. “Imagine ifStephen Hawkingcould communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.”
In December 2022, Musk suggested that he will eventually have a Neuralink chip implanted in his brain, as well, according toCNBC.
Neuralink has faced accusations of violating the Animal Welfare Act since its inception in 2016, but a 2022 report from the Agriculture Department showed no violations were found aside from a self-reported 2019 incident.
source: people.com
