Neuralink, the neurotechnology startup founded by Elon Musk and seven scientists and engineers, has successfully implanted a brain device in its inaugural human recipient, as revealed by the billionaire on Tuesday, citing ‘promising initial results.
Commenting on his own social media network, X (previously known as Twitter), Mr. Musk remarked that Neuralink’s first product would be called Telepathy.
Telepathy, he said, would enable “control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking”.
“Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs,” he continued.
Referring to the late British scientist who had motor neuron disease, he added: “Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.”
Founded in 2016, the start-up accepted applications for its first human brain implant study last year, following approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. The study involved participants with ALS and quadriplegia caused by a cervical spinal cord injury.
Even while Mr. Musk’s engagement helps Neuralink become more well-known, he still has competitors, some of which have a twenty-year history. In 2004, the Utah-based company Blackrock Neurotech implanted the first of many brain-computer interfaces.
