A human patient implanted with a Neuralink brain chip last month can control a computer mouse using only their thoughts, said founder Elon Musk. The chip was implanted surgically by a robot in the part of the brain that controls a person’s intention to move.
“Progress is good, and the patient seems to have made a full recovery, with no ill effects that we are aware of,” Musk said. “[The] Patient is able to move a mouse around the screen by just thinking.”
The initial goal of the chip implantation is for a person to be able to control a computer cursor or mouse with their thoughts. Musk said he believes that implanting Neuralink’s chip devices could treat medical conditions such as depression, autism, obesity and schizophrenia.
Neuralink received approval to start recruiting for human trials in September 2023. However, there have been repeated calls to scrutinize its safety protocols, and last month, the company was fined for breaking Department of Transportation rules about moving hazardous materials.
