Elon Musk says first Neuralink patient can control a computer mouse through thinking

20.02.2024

Elon Musk, the founder of Neuralink, announced a groundbreaking development in the company’s brain technology. According to Musk, a patient who underwent Neuralink’s brain implantation can now control a computer mouse solely through their thoughts. Musk revealed this information during a Spaces session on the social media platform X.

The patient, as per Musk’s statement, has fully recovered with no reported adverse effects. They can manipulate and move the computer mouse across the screen using their thoughts, showcasing the potential of Neuralink’s brain implant to enable individuals to control external technologies through neural signals.

Neuralink, Musk’s startup, focuses on developing brain implants to harness neural signals for controlling various external devices. The ultimate goal is to restore lost capabilities, such as vision, motor function, and speech.

The initial human implantation took place in January, facilitated by a precise robotic procedure employed by Neuralink. Musk mentioned that the company is actively working to maximize the number of actions that can be achieved through thought, envisioning tasks like moving the computer mouse up and down or dragging boxes on a screen.

Neuralink initiated the recruitment of patients for its first in-human clinical trial in the fall, following approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May. The company aims to advance the field of neurotechnology and enhance the quality of life for individuals with various neurological conditions.