Neuralink brain chip ‘working very well’ in 2nd patient, says Elon Musk

Neuralink, the brain-computer interface startup founded by Elon Musk, has marked a significant milestone by successfully implanting its device in a second patient. This breakthrough is part of the company’s mission to enable individuals with spinal cord injuries to interact with digital devices using only their thoughts.

According to Musk, the device has already allowed the first patient to engage in various activities, including playing video games, browsing the internet, posting on social media, and controlling a laptop cursor.

The announcement comes amid ongoing clinical trials, showcasing the potential of Neuralink’s technology to transform the lives of those with severe mobility impairments.

During a podcast released late Friday, Musk revealed that the second patient, who also has a spinal cord injury, is benefiting from the implant. While details about this new participant remain sparse, Musk shared that 400 of the device’s 1,024 electrodes are currently active and functioning well.

“I don’t want to jinx it but it seems to have gone extremely well with the second implant,” Musk told podcast host Lex Fridman. “There’s a lot of signal, a lot of electrodes. It’s working very well.”

Innovations and challenges

Neuralink’s implant represents a significant leap forward in brain-computer interface technology. The device is designed to bridge the gap between the brain and external devices. It enables users to control digital interfaces with thought alone.

The first patient , Noland Arbaugh, received his implant in January and has shared his experiences with the technology. Before the implant, Arbaugh used a stick in his mouth to operate a tablet.

Now, he can control his computer merely by thinking, which has granted him a new level of independence and reduced his reliance on caregivers.

However, the journey has not been without challenges. After his initial surgery, Arbaugh faced issues . The tiny wires of his implant retracted, which caused a significant decrease in the number of electrodes capable of measuring brain signals. This problem was anticipated based on Neuralink’s animal trials, as reported by Reuters .

Neuralink responded by adjusting the implant’s algorithm to enhance its sensitivity and restore its functionality. Musk highlighted that despite the issue, Arbaugh has improved on his previous world record for cursor control speed, even with only 10 to 15% of the electrodes operational. This recovery demonstrates both the resilience of the technology and the company’s commitment to overcoming obstacles.

Future prospects and broader impact

Meanwhile, Neuralink plans to expand its clinical trials significantly. Musk stated that the company aims to implant the device in eight more patients within the year. This expansion represents a critical step in validating the technology’s effectiveness and safety on a larger scale.

Musk’s comments also touched on his broader vision for innovation, including potential regulatory changes. He mentioned discussions with Donald Trump about forming a commission to improve “government efficiency” through reduced business regulations, which Musk believes could foster greater innovation.

Neuralink’s advancements hold the promise of not only improving the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries but also potentially transforming the field of assistive technology. The success of the second implant and the ongoing improvements to the device underscore Neuralink’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with brain-computer interfaces.