Brain-computer interface happening as the first human finally got them an implanted device.
An implanted device in a human has been done for the first time, according to Elon Musk, founder of neurotech firm Neuralink.
Neuralink is a startup developing brain-computer interface implants. The device revealed by Elon is called Telepathy and it allows people to control their smartphones “just by thinking.” As per Elon’s tweet, the initial results showed promise.
According to news, the patient received the implant on Sunday and is now recovering but no other details have been given.
In September last year, Neuralink announced the recruitment for the PRIME Study (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface). The study involved an investigational device trial for safety evaluation. This device would be inserted by a robot into a brain region that controls movement intention.
It isn’t the first company, however, trying to succeed in brain-computer interfacing. Neuralink competitor, Precision Neuroscience, developed the Layer Cortical Interface and was trialed and temporarily implanted onto the brains of three patients. These patients were undergoing neurosurgery for tumor removal.
One patient enabled scientists to see what Layer 7 could detect. About 1,000 channels in real-time of electrical activity were captured as the patient was just talking.
Elon’s tweet naturally received responses, some of which might raise concerns. One posted a meme in case the chip was hacked. Another asked what the objective of the implant was and if the person could download kung fu, a memorable scene from The Matrix franchise.
Keep in mind that none of these brain-computer interface products have earned the final approval from the FDA. But if there’s one, will you want such an implant?
