Elon Musk’s Neuralink advances towards brain-chip revolution
The company Neuralink, owned by Elon Musk, has implanted a chip in the brain of a third patient. To clarify, this refers to a human being. This marks only the beginning of this year’s plans. The American neurotechnology company, based in San Francisco, intends to carry out dozens of such operations by the end of 2025.
"We've got now three humans with Neuralinks implanted and they're all working well," said Elon Musk during an event in Las Vegas this week, which was broadcast on X, his social media service. The billionaire announced that the company aims to implant another 20 to 30 devices by the end of the year.
Neuralink is among a growing group of startups developing brain implants that could help treat conditions such as paralysis and ALS, reports Bloomberg agency.
These are experimental procedures that typically involve opening the skull to place electrodes into brain tissue. A year ago, Neuralink announced it had implanted its device in the first patient, Noland Arbaugh.
What are Elon Musk’s brain chips for?
The California-based company is currently conducting two US studies on its devices, which are registered with the Food and Drug Administration.
The Prime study, intended for about five patients, enables paralysed patients to control external devices such as computers or smartphones using their minds.
The second study, Convoy, is for three patients and allows them to control devices such as robotic assisted arms.
