Neuralink Implants First Brain Chip in Human: No Monkeys died, says Elon

Neuralink, founded by the billionaire, Elon Musk, has successfully implanted its first brain-chip in a human. The study is reportedly recovering well. 

According to Musk, the first Neuralink brain chip implant is a crucial step toward realizing the company’s ambitious goal of revolutionizing the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.

The procedure is not surprising considering that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the business in September to conduct the first human trial of its implant.

“Initial results show promising neuron spike detection,” Musk said in a post on X on Monday, one day after the device was implanted.

Neuralink’s first product will be called “Telepathy”, Musk added in a separate X post.

The research will evaluate the interface’s functioning, which allows persons with quadriplegia or paralysis of all four limbs to operate gadgets with their thoughts, according to the company’s website.

Reuters reported earlier this month that the corporation had been punished for breaking U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations governing the transfer of hazardous chemicals.

Neuralink has drawn criticism for its safety standards before.

”It enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking,” Musk wrote. “Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.”

Prime, the startup’s study, is a trial of its wireless brain-computer interface to assess the implant and surgical robot’s safety. Researchers will evaluate the interface’s functioning, which allows people with quadriplegia to manage gadgets with their thoughts, according to the company’s website. Neuralink and Musk did not immediately reply to a request for further information.

The company was valued at around $5 billion in June, but four lawmakers asked the Securities and Exchange Commission in late November to look into whether Musk misled investors about the safety of his technology after veterinary records revealed problems with monkey implants such as paralysis, seizures, and brain swelling.

Musk said in a social media post on September 10 that “no monkey has died as a result of a Neuralink implant.” He stated that the corporation used “terminal” monkeys to reduce the danger to healthy ones.