Elon Musk recently announced that Neuralink successfully implants device in 2nd patient. Like the first patient, this individual suffered a spinal cord injury. Musk explained that the device, designed to enable paralyzed patients to control digital devices using only their thoughts, has been functioning effectively. The implant is equipped with 400 electrodes that are currently active in the second patient’s brain, while Neuralink’s website states that their implants can utilize up to 1,024 electrodes.
Musk expressed optimism about the results, saying,
“I don’t want to jinx it, but it seems to have gone extremely well with the second implant. There’s a lot of signal, a lot of electrodes. It’s working very well.”
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He also mentioned that Neuralink plans to provide the implants to eight more patients in 2024 as part of ongoing clinical trials.
The company’s first patient, Noland Arbaugh, received his implant in January. Thanks to the device, Arbaugh can now control computer functions simply by thinking, which has significantly increased his independence and reduced his reliance on caregivers. Initially, he encountered issues post-surgery when some of the implant’s tiny wires retracted, reducing the number of electrodes that could measure brain signals. However, Neuralink resolved these problems by modifying the device’s algorithm, restoring its functionality. Arbaugh has since broken his previous world record for the speed at which he can control a cursor using thoughts, despite only 10-15% of the electrodes being active.
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Neuralink’s advancements in brain-machine interfaces represent a promising step toward enhancing the quality of life for individuals with severe disabilities. The company continues to refine its technology, aiming to help more patients in the future.
