On Monday, Feb. 19, Elon Musk announced that the first Neuralink human patient was able to control a mouse using just their thoughts.
The tech executive confirmed this achievement during a Space event on X (formerly called Twitter). He boasted that the Neuralink patient was able to move a computer mouse around the screen by just thinking about it.
This is a breakthrough for Elon Musk since he has been making efforts to achieve a successful human trial. Here are other details the billionaire shared.
1st Neuralink Human Patient Controls Mouse With Thoughts
Back in September 2023, Elon Musk's Neuralink opened a recruitment program for the first-in-human clinical trial of its wireless BCI (brain-computer interface).
On Jan. 28, Elon Musk said that the first patient to participate in the wireless BCI human trial was able to receive the Neuralink brain implant, as reported by Fox Business.
Now, the billionaire shared new details, confirming that the patient was able to fully recover and control a mouse using their thoughts.
"Progress is good, and the patient seems to have made a full recovery, with no ill effects that we are aware of. The patient is able to move a mouse around the screen by just thinking," said Elon Musk via Inc.
The identity of the human patient wasn't disclosed by Neuralink. But, Elon Musk recently announced that the initial users of the wireless brain chip will be individuals who lost their limbs.
He even mentioned Stephen Hawking, saying that the goal of Neuralink is to allow the likes of Hawking to communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer.
Since the first Neuralink patient was able to move a computer mouse, Elon Musk said that they are now aiming to get as many mouse button clicks as possible from the test volunteer.
Read Also : Documents Show Musk's Brain Implant Firm Breached US Regulations on Transporting Hazardous Materials
Neuralink's Procedure
Neuralink explained how the brain implant procedure in human trials happens. The American neurotech firm said that a surgical robot is being used to place the brain chip in the brain's region that controls the intention to move.
The computer chip is attached to tiny flexible threads, which are stitched into the brain using a sewing machine-like robot. Neuralink further stated that a robot will remove a small chunk of the skull.
After that, the threat-like electrodes will be connected to certain brain areas. Once this is completed, the hole will be stitched up, leaving only a scar.
Elon Musk said that a Neuralink human surgery usually takes around 30 minutes. He even claimed that the procedure doesn't require general anesthesia.
After the surgery, the patients will be able to return to their homes on the same day, safely.
