The first human patient of the company started by Elon Musk Neuralink had a brain implanted, with “promising” initial results.
Musk co-founded the neurotechnology business in 2016, which aims to create direct communication pathways between the brain and computers.
The goal is to enhance human capacities, treat neurological ailments such as ALS or Parkinson’s, and eventually establish a symbiotic relationship between people and artificial intelligence.
“The first human received an implant from Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well,” Musk wrote in a post on X, which was previously Twitter.
“Initial results show promising neuron spike detection,” he went on to say.
Last year, the start-up said that it had received approval from US regulators to test its brain implants on people.
Neuralink’s technology will primarily function through an implant known as the “Link” — a gadget the size of five stacked coins that is surgically implanted inside the human brain.
According to data provider Pitchbook, Neuralink, situated in California, employed over 400 workers last year and raised at least $363 million.
Though Musk receives the majority of the attention, he is far from alone in attempting to make improvements in the field, technically known as brain-machine or brain-computer interface research.
Faced with delays, the tycoon reportedly approached implant developer Synchron about a prospective investment.
Unlike Neuralink’s Link, the implant version does not require skull cutting to attach.
Synchron, based in Australia, implanted its first device in a patient from the United States in July 2022.
