Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk, has successfully implanted its device in a second patient, according to a recent announcement by Musk on the Lex Fridman podcast. This milestone is part of Neuralink’s ongoing efforts to develop technology that allows paralyzed individuals to control digital devices solely through thought.
Breakthrough in Neural Technology
The second patient, who has a spinal cord injury similar to the first patient, now has 400 of the device’s 1,024 electrodes functioning. Musk expressed optimism about the procedure, stating, “I don’t want to jinx it, but it seems to have gone extremely well with the second implant. There’s a lot of signal, a lot of electrodes.” The implant aims to assist individuals with spinal cord injuries by enabling them to perform tasks such as playing video games, browsing the internet, and moving a cursor on a computer screen using only their thoughts.
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Journey of Noland Arbaugh
The first patient to receive the Neuralink implant, 28-year-old Noland Arbaugh, has shared his experiences and the transformative impact the device has had on his life. Before receiving the implant in January, Arbaugh, who is quadriplegic, used a stick held in his mouth to operate a tablet. Post-implant, he can now control his computer merely by thinking, significantly enhancing his independence and reducing his reliance on caregivers.
Arbaugh initially faced issues after his surgery when the tiny wires of his implant retracted, leading to a reduction in the number of electrodes that could measure brain signals. Neuralink addressed this by modifying its algorithms, restoring the implant’s functionality. Arbaugh has since set a new world record for the speed at which he can control a cursor with thoughts alone, despite only a fraction of the electrodes being operational.
Future Prospects and Clinical Trials
Neuralink plans to implant devices in eight more patients this year as part of its clinical trials. This ambitious goal reflects Musk’s confidence in the technology, which he believes could revolutionize how individuals with paralysis interact with the world. The company is also exploring advanced efforts to restore limb function in people with paralysis by sewing electrodes into the spinal cord, potentially allowing brain implants to create muscle contractions in previously paralyzed limbs.
Vision for the Future
During the podcast, Musk and Neuralink executives discussed the potential of the technology beyond assisting those with spinal cord injuries. They highlighted the possibility of using brain-computer interfaces to help visually impaired patients and even discussed preliminary work in animals to restore movement in paralyzed limbs.
Read More: Elon Musk’s Neuralink achieves breakthrough with first human implant
Musk’s vision for Neuralink extends beyond medical applications. He has also discussed how the technology could eventually enhance human capabilities and address various neurological disorders. With ongoing advancements and successful clinical trials, Neuralink is poised to make significant contributions to the field of neurotechnology and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.