Neuralink, the brain-machine interface startup founded by Elon Musk, has successfully implanted its device into a second patient, designed to enable paralyzed individuals to control digital devices using only their thoughts.
This device is intended to assist people with spinal cord injuries by allowing them to interact with technology such as video games, internet browsing, social media, and computer cursors. The first patient, who suffered a spinal cord injury in a diving accident, has demonstrated the device’s capabilities by performing these tasks.
In a recent podcast released late Friday, Musk revealed limited details about the second patient, who has a spinal cord injury similar to the first. He mentioned that 400 of the device’s 1,024 electrodes are functioning correctly in the second patient’s brain. Neuralink’s website highlights that the implant utilizes 1,024 electrodes.
“While I don’t want to jinx it, it seems the second implant has gone extremely well,” Musk told podcast host Lex Fridman. “The device is delivering strong signals and the electrodes are performing very well.”
Musk did not specify the exact date of the second patient’s surgery but indicated that Neuralink plans to implant devices in eight more patients this year as part of its ongoing clinical trials.
The first patient, Noland Arbaugh, also participated in the podcast, along with Neuralink executives who provided insights into the implant and the robot-assisted surgery. Before receiving his implant in January, Arbaugh used a stick in his mouth to interact with a tablet. With the new device, he can now control the computer screen through thought alone, granting him increased independence and reducing his reliance on caregivers.
Arbaugh faced challenges initially when the implant’s tiny wires retracted, leading to a decrease in the electrodes’ ability to detect brain signals. This issue, reported during animal trials, was subsequently addressed by Neuralink. Adjustments were made, including refining the implant’s algorithm, to enhance its sensitivity. Arbaugh has since set a new personal record for cursor control speed with thoughts alone, even with approximately 10-15% of the electrodes active.
In addition to discussing Neuralink’s progress, Musk mentioned his discussions with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump about forming a commission to enhance “government efficiency” through reduced business regulations. Musk expressed his belief that current U.S. regulations impede innovation.
