On January 29, Elon Musk announced on X that Neurolink has successfully implanted a device in its first human. He said the device, called Telepathy, would let people control their phones and computers just by thinking. The patient is reported to be recovering well.
Neurolink received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct its first in-human clinical study in May 2023. The study involves using a robot to surgically place thin threads on the brain that can record and transmit neural signals.
The implanted device that Neuralink has used in its first human is called Telepathy.
Telepathy is a wireless brain-computer interface that can record and transmit neural signals from the brain to an app that decodes how the person intends to move.
The device consists of 64 flexible threads that are thinner than a human hair and are placed on the brain by a robot. The device is powered by a battery that can be charged wirelessly.
It is cosmetically invisible and let you control a computer or mobile device anywhere you go.
The Implant records neural activity through 1024 electrodes distributed across these highly-flexible, ultra-thin threads.
Telepathy is designed to help people who have lost the use of their limbs to control their phones, computers, and other devices just by thinking. They are currently focused on giving people with quadriplegia the ability to control their computers and mobile devices with their thoughts. It could also potentially help people with other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, or depression.
Neuralink hopes to make Telepathy available to the public in the future, but it still needs to undergo more testing and approval from the FDA. If you're interested in learning whether you may qualify for current or future Neuralink clinical trials, consider joining their Patient Registry.
The mission of the Company is to create a generalized brain interface to restore autonomy to those with unmet medical needs today and unlock human potential tomorrow.
Neurolink faces competition from other companies that are also developing brain-computer interfaces, such as Blackrock Neurotech and Precision Neuroscience. These companies have different approaches and goals for their products.
Precision Neuroscience is not exactly a competing company as it was founded in 2021 by Elon Musk himself together with Max Hodak also a co-founder of Neuralink.
Precision Neuroscience is focused on developing breakthrough treatments for neurological illnesses, but it is not explicitly stated whether they are working on implantable devices for the brain. Their approach seems to be centered around using advanced technology and treatments to address neurological conditions.
On the other hand, Blackrock Neurotech, is known for its work on implantable brain-machine interfaces. Blackrock Neurotech like Neuralink's approach involves developing devices that can be implanted into the brain to enable direct communication between the brain and external devices or software.
Blackrock Neurotech is known for its work in developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neuroprosthetic devices. Their focus is on creating innovative technologies that provide hope for people with paralysis and other neurological disorders. Blackrock Neurotech has been a pioneer in the development and safe implantation of neural interfaces in humans.
Blackrock Neurotech acquired the american company Cyberkinetics with roots tied to the University of Utah in 2009, previously known as Blackrock Microsystems was founded in 2008 by Professor Florian Solzbacher and Marcus Gerhardt.
Cyberkinetics and later as Blackrock Neurotech has been a pioneer in the development and safe implantation of neural interfaces in humans. Their work in creating implantable brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neuroprosthetic devices has been focused on enhancing the lives of individuals with neurological conditions, such as paralysis.
Their work in creating implantable brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neuroprosthetic devices has been focused on enhancing the lives of individuals with neurological conditions, such as paralysis.
The company's commitment to safety and efficacy is evident in their track record of implanting neural interfaces in humans since 2004.This long history of safely implanting neural interfaces underscores their expertise and dedication to advancing the field of neurotechnology while prioritizing the well-being of the individuals who benefit from their innovative technologies.
It's important to recognize the significance of Blackrock Neurotech's contributions to the field of neuroprosthetics and neural interfaces, as their early and continued success in safely implanting these devices has paved the way for further advancements in the field.
Author: Emanuele Mulas
Sources:
- https://neuralink.com/
- https://blackrockneurotech.com
- precisionneuro.io/
- x.com
- Image: neuralink youtube video
- Cover image by Viktor Hanacek
- Wikipedia
