Elon Musk’s brain implant company Neuralink is looking for a second participant for its human trial. The first participant, Noland Arbaugh, had a brain chip implanted that allowed him to control a computer cursor with his brain. Despite some initial issues with the implant’s performance, Arbaugh says the device has changed his life as a quadriplegic since 2016. Neuralink is now seeking more quadriplegic individuals to participate in its clinical trial to further test the brain chip’s capabilities.
Neuralink’s ultimate goal is to connect human brains to computers through implants to help paralyzed individuals control devices or blind people to regain sight. The current trial participants are part of the PRIME Study, which focuses on studying the safety and functionality of the brain implant and surgical robot. The company is enrolling individuals with limited or no ability to use their hands due to spinal cord injury or ALS. Participants have chips surgically placed in the part of the brain that controls movement intent, allowing them to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone.
After the initial operation, Arbaugh was able to control a computer mouse with his brain and even play chess using only his thoughts. However, the device experienced unexpected issues that affected its performance, causing Arbaugh distress. Despite this setback, Neuralink worked to address the issues and improve the device’s functionality. The company sees these challenges as part of the learning process of clinical trials to improve the technology and ensure its safety and effectiveness before wider market release.
Neuralink co-founder DJ Seo explained that clinical trials are essential to uncover issues early on and make necessary adjustments before the technology is made available to consumers. While the brain implant technology shows promise in helping people with disabilities regain autonomy, it still requires regulatory approval before becoming widely accessible. The company is continuing its research and development efforts to refine the technology and ensure its reliability for future users. Interested individuals with quadriplegia are encouraged to apply for the trial to contribute to the advancement of brain-computer interface technology.
In conclusion, Musk’s Neuralink is making strides in developing brain implants that could revolutionize the way paralyzed individuals and those with limited mobility interact with technology. Despite initial challenges, participants like Arbaugh have experienced life-changing benefits from the brain chip technology. As the company seeks additional trial participants, the focus remains on improving the safety and functionality of the implants to provide a better quality of life for people with disabilities. The potential for brain-computer interfaces to enhance human abilities and overcome physical limitations continues to drive Neuralink’s research and development efforts towards creating a more accessible and advanced technology for the future.
