Elon Musk’s Neuralink has achieved another milestone in its project. The company has successfully implanted its brain-computer interface (BCI) device in a third patient. Musk revealed this feat during an event in Las Vegas. In addition to that, he also announced that the company plans for 20 to 30 more implants in 2025. Sharing the same, he said, “We’ve got now three humans with Neuralinks implanted, and they’re all working well.”
For those unaware, Neuralink’s device is about the size of a coin and is surgically implanted into a patient’s skull. It has ultra-thin wires extending into the brain to create a seamless BCI. According to the company, the implant is cosmetically invisible. It is designed to allow users to control computers or mobile devices simply by thinking. It is aimed at helping the specially abled with a new sense of independence and accessibility. If it turns out to be a success, it will be particularly helpful for patients dealing with conditions like paralysis and ALS.
The first Neuralink brain implant took place in January 2024. Ever since then, Neuralink has reportedly upgraded its devices with more electrodes, improved bandwidth, and extended battery life. The first patient who got the chip was Noland Arbaugh. He used the device to browse the internet, post on social media, and play video games using only his thoughts. Arbaugh, previously reliant on a mouth stick to operate a tablet, shared that the device dramatically increased his independence and reduced his dependence on caregivers.
Right now, the company has not revealed any details about the third patient. The company is currently focussing on implanting the chip into more patients as a part of its human trial. If it turns out to be a success, Musk plans to scale Neuralink’s technology to a broader audience, paving the way for advancements in human-computer interaction and accessibility.