Elon Musk's Neuralink marks historic human implant success

Elon Musk's brain-machine interface startup, Neuralink, which was established in 2017, has achieved a significant milestone by effectively finishing the first human implant.

Musk made the announcement on Monday via his social media account, X.

With the initial product, "Telepathy," users can now operate computers, phones, and other devices via neurological impulses, which is a significant leap in brain-computer interface technology.

The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well.

Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2024

According to reports, the first human receiver of the Neuralink implant is making a full recovery, and first findings show potential neuron spike detection.

Musk hopes that those who have lost the use of limbs will be the first to make use of the technology, which will improve communication speed.

Drawing comparisons with the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, he proposed that the technology would allow for communication at a speed greater than that of an auctioneer or speed typist.

With more than 1,000 electrodes, Neuralink's gadget is unique in that it provides a level of precision in targeting individual neurons that is superior to that of many other implants. 

Located inside the user's skull, the implant interprets brain signals into actions by wirelessly interacting with a Neuralink app. Interestingly, wireless charging is also a feature. 

A custom surgical robot has been built by Neuralink to guarantee accuracy in the implant procedure.

Even though this accomplishment is being celebrated, Neuralink's journey has not been without criticism. Concerns about the company's surgical practices involving animals, especially primates, were voiced by organisations like the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

Neuralink's long-term goals include helping those who are paralysed, with more general uses planned for people who are blind or deaf.

Elon Musk, who is well-known for having big dreams, says he hopes the implant will eventually make it easier for artificial intelligence and humans to combine.

AllNews.ng recalls that in May of last year, after Neuralink's successful studies on a variety of animals, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the company for clinical trials involving humans.