Recovery of the First Human with Neuralink Brain Chip Going Well, Confirms Elon Musk

Elon Musk has named the first product from Neuralink as 'Telepathy'. This innovative technology will enable users to manipulate digital devices using just their thoughts.

Elon Musk, the owner of Neuralink, has stated that the initial human patient who received the brain-computer device is making good progress in their recovery.

In a post on January 29th, Elon Musk announced that the person who underwent the implant procedure successfully received the implant on Sunday, January 28th. Musk also mentioned that the initial findings indicate promising detection of neural spikes.

Elon Musk explained that Neuralink's brain implant is designed to aid individuals with severe injuries or paralysis by allowing them to interact with phones or computers using their thoughts. Musk also mentioned that the first product from Neuralink is named 'Telepathy'.

“Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.”

Neuralink initiated the recruitment process for human clinical trials in September of the previous year. The approval for its PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) study was granted by the United States Food and Drug Administration in May 2023, according to a Sept. 19 blog post from the firm.

The primary objective of the PRIME study is to develop an effective Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) that enables individuals to manipulate a computer cursor or keyboard solely through their thoughts.

The Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) functions by creating a small opening in the patient's skull and utilizing a surgical robot to implant the Neuralink device. This device is made up of ultra-fine and flexible threads, which are placed in a specific area of the brain responsible for controlling movement intentions.

After the implantation, the device becomes visually indistinguishable and functions as a recording and transmission device. It wirelessly transmits data to a dedicated app, which decodes the patient's thoughts into digital movements on a device.

In recent months, regulators have raised concerns about the safety procedures of Neuralink. Four U.S. lawmakers have called for an investigation by the SEC into allegations of false claims made by Elon Musk regarding the safety of Neuralink implants.

Elon Musk previously made a statement, which has since been deleted, on September 10th, claiming that no monkeys had died due to Neuralink implants. However, lawmakers assert that this statement was knowingly false and intended to deceive investors.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine wrote a letter to the SEC's enforcement division on September 20th, stating that a minimum of 12 young monkeys were euthanized due to severe health issues directly linked to Neuralink's implants.

Neuralink has not yet provided a response to Cointelegraph's request for comment.