Billionaire Elon Musk, co-founder of Neuralink, has announced that the company has submitted most of the paperwork for its first clinical trial involving brain chip implants in humans.
According to RT, Musk stated that a wireless chip device developed by Neuralink could begin human trials within the next six months. The world’s richest man also expressed confidence that Neuralink’s device could restore movement and functionality in individuals who are paralyzed.
The Neuralink device will be implanted into the human brain. (Photo: AFP)
During an event held at the company’s headquarters in California on November 30, Musk showcased a brain-computer interface that resembles a stack of coins with hundreds of thin wires, which will be implanted into humans by a surgical robot.
According to Musk, such a device has the potential to restore full-body function for individuals with spinal cord injuries or to provide vision for those who have never had the chance to see.
Neuralink has submitted most of its documentation to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Musk added that the company wants to be extremely cautious when undertaking such sophisticated projects.
The presentation also featured a video showing a monkey using the implanted brain chip to move a cursor and type on a computer keyboard. He expressed hope that such devices would become commonplace.
Neuralink has missed several deadlines for FDA approval for human trials. In 2019, Musk indicated that he wanted to start testing by the end of 2020. Later, in 2021, he announced hopes to begin clinical trials in 2022.
In recent months, Neuralink faced scrutiny after admitting to the deaths of eight monkeys during the brain chip technology testing process. However, the company insists that they are working with animals in the most humane way possible, dismissing allegations that the monkeys suffered pain.
