Elon Musk Says First Human Receives Brain Implant from his Neuralink Company

Musk announced yesterday that Neuralink has successfully implanted its wireless brain chip in a human for the first time. The implant aims to restore motor functionality and enable a brain-computer interface, among other applications. Musk stated that the patient is recovering well and that initial results show promising neuron spike detection. This development comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved human trials for Neuralink in May 2023. The trial aims to collect data on the device’s safety and effectiveness.

Who are Neuralink?

Neuralink is a neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk and a group of experts in various fields, including neuroscience, biotechnology, and robotics, in 2016. The company is focused on developing and refining brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies, which aim to facilitate direct communications between the human brain and external devices or computers. The overarching goal of Neuralink is to enable humans to merge with artificial intelligence (AI), which Musk sees as essential for humans to not become obsolete in an AI-dominated future.

Human Treatment vs. Human Enhancement

Neuralink’s technology involves ultra-fine threads that are thinner than a human hair, designed to be inserted into the brain to detect neural activity. These threads are intended to be implanted using a specially designed, highly precise robotic apparatus, minimizing damage to brain tissue. The threads connect to a device known as the Link, which processes, stimulates, and transmits neural signals, enabling various applications, from potentially treating neurological disorders to enhancing cognitive capabilities.

Since its inception, Neuralink has been working towards medical applications as a starting point, particularly aiming at enabling individuals with paralysis to control computers and mobile devices directly with their brain activity. The company has conducted several public demonstrations of its technology, showcasing its potential in animals and outlining plans for human trials. Neuralink’s efforts also include developing the surgical robots necessary to implant its devices safely and efficiently.

Musk isn’t Alone

Neuralink’s work is part of a broader field of BCI research and development, which includes several other companies and academic labs around the world exploring similar technologies. BCIs hold promise for revolutionary applications in medicine, computing, and beyond, though they also raise ethical, privacy, and safety concerns that are being addressed through ongoing dialogue among technologists, ethicists, and regulators.

The field is rapidly evolving, with several noteworthy developments and projects from various organizations and research institutions around the world. These efforts aim at enhancing human capabilities, treating neurological conditions, and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities…

• Kernel is a neurotechnology company that focuses on developing wearable BCIs. Their technology aims to facilitate brain recording and stimulation with minimal invasiveness. Kernel’s BCIs are designed for use in research and clinical settings, offering insights into brain function and potential therapeutic applications.
• OpenBCI is an open-source project provides DIY enthusiasts, researchers, and developers with the tools to experiment with BCIs. OpenBCI offers hardware and software for recording brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, and more. The platform is designed to be modular and accessible, encouraging innovation and lowering the barrier to entry for BCI experimentation.
• Advanced Brain Monitoring (ABI) specializes in developing neurodiagnostic and neuromonitoring technology. Their products are used for sleep analysis, epilepsy monitoring, and assessing cognitive states. ABM’s technology has applications in clinical research, healthcare, and enhancing human performance.
• Emotiv produces EEG-based headsets that monitor brain activity to detect cognitive states and emotions. Their technology is used in research, education, and to control devices through mental commands. Emotiv’s headsets are popular among BCI hobbyists and researchers for their affordability and ease of use.
• Neurable focus on the intersection of BCIs and augmented reality (AR), developing technology that allows users to control AR and virtual reality (VR) environments using their thoughts. This application of BCI technology has potential in gaming, training simulations, and accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments.
• BrainGate is a research collaboration focusing on developing and testing medical-grade BCIs to restore communication, mobility, and independence to individuals with neurological diseases, limb loss, or paralysis. Their research has enabled participants to control computer cursors and robotic arms through thought, demonstrating significant potential for restoring lost functions.
• Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) is a subsidiary of Xerox Corporation and has been involved in developing technologies related to BCIs. Their research focuses on creating interfaces that allow for seamless interaction between humans and computers, improving efficiency and accessibility.

By exploring new frontiers in the intersection between computing and neuroscience, the ongoing progress in BCI technology promises to bring profound changes to various aspects of society, healthcare, and how we interact with technology.

Notable Breakthroughs

In 2023, one of the most remarkable developments was a brain-spine interface that enabled a paralyzed man to walk naturally for the first time since his injury. This system involved two implantable devices: one to record brain activity associated with the intention to move and another to stimulate the spinal cord’s region controlling leg movement. By decoding brain signals in real time and converting them into stimulation commands, this digital bridge between the brain and spinal cord allowed the user to stand, walk with crutches, climb stairs, and traverse complex terrains independently. This breakthrough was recognized as the Physics World 2023 Breakthrough of the Year due to its significant advance in knowledge and the importance of its work for scientific progress and the development of real-world applications.

Another significant advancement was made by researchers at UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley, who developed new BCI technology that allowed a paralyzed woman to communicate through a digital avatar for the first time in 18 years. By implanting a thin rectangle of electrodes over critical areas for speech on the surface of the brain, the team could decode brain signals into speech and facial expressions. This system not only synthesized speech or facial expressions from brain signals but also improved the speed of communication to nearly 80 words per minute, a substantial increase from the 14 words per minute provided by the participant’s previous communication device.

Handle with Care: BCI’s Rapid Advancement

The current status of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is marked by rapid advancements in medical and non-medical applications, including restoration of motor functions and communication for individuals with disabilities, as well as integration into virtual reality and computing.

Ethical, privacy, and regulatory challenges are being actively addressed by various organizations and regulatory bodies. These include academic institutions conducting BCI research, international neuroethics groups, and government regulators like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Over the next ten years, the field is expected to see substantial progress, with innovations enhancing human capabilities and treatments for neurological conditions, while ethical frameworks evolve to guide responsible development and application.  We will watch this space closely as more incredible advancements continue to materialize.