Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has disclosed that his company, Neuralink, is on the verge of commencing trials for its brain implant in a human patient suffering from paralysis. Musk has emphasized the transformative potential of this technology, envisioning its capacity to fully restore bodily movement.
In a statement posted on X, Musk outlined Neuralink's long-term vision, emphasizing its role in reducing AI and civilizational risks by significantly enhancing human-to-AI and human-to-human communication bandwidth. He invoked the hypothetical scenario of the renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking benefiting from such technology.
Stephen Hawking, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of theoretical physics, passed away on March 16, 2018, at the age of 76. His life was marked by his resilience in the face of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative ailment he bravely battled for over five decades.
ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressively degenerative condition that targets motor neurons within the brain and spinal cord, essential for controlling muscle function. As the disease advances, it impairs the brain's ability to transmit signals to the body's muscles, leading to muscle deterioration and a loss of voluntary muscle control.
Neuralink, in a recent announcement, revealed that it has secured approval from an independent review board to initiate recruitment for its inaugural human trial involving the brain implant designed for individuals grappling with paralysis.
The trial will potentially enrol individuals dealing with paralysis caused by either cervical spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, the company has not disclosed the specific number of participants set to participate in this trial, which is anticipated to span approximately six years.
Neuralink's approach will involve the utilization of a robotic system to surgically implant a brain-computer interface (BCI) device in a region of the brain responsible for the intention to move. The initial objective of the technology is to empower individuals to manipulate a computer cursor or keyboard solely through their thoughts.
Musk envisions Neuralink playing a pivotal role in the medical field, making rapid surgical insertions of its chip devices feasible for treating conditions such as obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia.
In May, Neuralink reported that it had secured clearance from the FDA for its inaugural human clinical trial, a development that occurred amid federal scrutiny regarding the company's handling of animal testing protocols.
Â
