Elon Musk, co-founder of the brain-computer interface company Neuralink, announced that the process of implanting computer chips into patients with paralysis will take place in 2022.
The chip trials from Neuralink will begin with patients suffering from spinal cord injuries. This timeline is two years later than initially planned. The device will enable patients who have lost the ability to control their limbs to interact with digital devices. Consequently, individuals with paralysis in their arms and legs will be able to order items, communicate with friends, and browse the web directly using brain waves.
Neuralink has tested chip implants in monkeys, but Musk believes successfully applying this technology in humans remains a significant challenge. (Photo: Neuralink)
Previously, Neuralink demonstrated a monkey playing video games using its brain earlier this year, but Musk emphasized that successfully applying this technology in humans is still a considerable challenge.
“Neuralink works well in monkeys. We have conducted numerous tests and confirmed that the technology is very safe and reliable. The Neuralink device can be removed from the brain,” Musk stated. “We hope to implant the device in patients with severe spinal cord injuries, such as those with quadriplegia, once the Food and Drug Administration grants approval.”
The Neuralink chip operates by implanting electrodes into the brain region that controls voluntary movement, then connecting to a larger network called Link, which is responsible for processing, stimulating, and transmitting neural signals. The device uses wireless charging from the outside and connects wirelessly to devices, allowing users to control them without physical contact. According to Neuralink, this sophisticated electrode system required the company to develop a dedicated robotic system to implant the device in the precise location.
Neuralink is not the only company developing brain-computer interface devices. Last April, a device developed by BrainGate allowed paralyzed patients to control computers using their minds, showing very promising results. Both BrainGate and Neuralink rely on wireless connections to make their devices more feasible in everyday life.
