Elon Musk Unveils Human Telepathy Breakthrough with Neuralink Implant
In a groundbreaking development for the controversial startup Neuralink, Elon Musk revealed on Tuesday that the company has successfully implanted its brain-machine interface device, named "Telepathy," into a human patient for the first time.
The coin-sized implant was surgically placed into the patient's skull on Sunday, January 28, as Musk shared on social media. "The first human received a Neuralink implant yesterday and is recovering well. Early detection of neuron spikes shows promise," Musk stated.
According to Musk, the interface empowers users to control phones, computers, and virtually any device through mere thought. He envisions the initial applications benefiting individuals who have lost limb function, expressing, "Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a typist or an auctioneer. That is the goal."
This significant announcement follows years of audacious claims and criticism directed at Neuralink. The startup, valued at $5 billion in June 2022, aspires to restore vision, treat depression, and facilitate walking for paralysis patients. However, in November, U.S. legislators called for an SEC investigation into whether Musk misled investors regarding a monkey's recovery of limb function.
Neuralink faced further challenges, including allegations of animal cruelty when a majority of its test monkeys succumbed to implant complications. While Musk contended that the animals were already ill, Neuralink admitted wrongdoing in December 2022. Regulators also expressed concerns about the potential migration of implants in the brain and the challenges of safe removal.
Despite these controversies, the Food and Drug Administration granted approval for Neuralink's first human trial last year. Pending additional details on the patient's procedure, effects, and long-term health, the implant signifies a significant milestone for the company's contentious brain-interface technology.