The first human patient implanted with a brain-chip from Neuralink is able to control a computer mouse using its thoughts, according to the start-up’s founder Elon Musk this week.
“Progress is good … and the patient is able to move a mouse around the screen by just thinking,” he said, adding that Neuralink was now trying to get as many mouse button clicks as possible from the patient.
Reuters reports that the firm had successfully implanted a chip on its first human patient last month, after receiving approval for human trial recruitment in September.
The study uses a robot to surgically place a brain-computer interface implant in a region of the brain that controls the intention to move, and Neuralink’s initial goal is to enable people to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts.
Musk has grand ambitions for the firm, saying it would facilitate speedy surgical insertions of its chip devices to treat conditions like obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia.
Neuralink, which was valued at about $5bn last year, has faced repeated calls for scrutiny regarding its safety protocols.
Last month it was fined for violating US Department of Transportation rules regarding the movement of hazardous materials.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
First wireless brain chip implant ‘a success’ – Elon Musk
FDA green-lights Musk’s brain implant for human study
Step forward in human studies for Neuralink brain implants