Elon Musk Tweets First Human Receives Neuralink Brain Implant

Neuralink brain implant. Credit: Neuralink.

Elon Musk tweeted on Monday that the first human has received a Neuralink brain implant product named "Telepathy."

"The first human received an implant from @Neuralink  yesterday and is recovering well. Initial results show promising neuron spike detection," Musk tweeted.

The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well.

Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2024

What is Neuralink?

Neuralink's brain implant probes are coated with a thin gold or platinum conductor that are inserted by a surgical robot into the brain.

Each probe is capable of locating electrical signals in the brain, and a sensory area where the wire interacts with an electronic system that allows amplification and acquisition of the brain signal. 

"[Neuralink] Enables 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. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal," Musk added.

Enables 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.

Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 30, 2024

Neuralink Human Trials

In September 2023, Neuralink announced that its first in-human clinical trial was open and is recruiting volunteers for the study.

The PRIME Study (short for Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) aims to evaluate the safety of the brain implant and surgical robot and assess the initial functionality of its interface for enabling people with paralysis to control external devices with their thoughts. 

Once in place, Neuralink's brain implant is cosmetically invisible and is intended to record and transmit brain signals wirelessly to an app that decodes movement intention.

Neuralink Stock

Neuralink stock is not publicly traded. But the value of the company's privately-held stock rose from $2 billion in 2021 to $5 billion by June 2023, Reuters reported.

Neuralink Animal Trials

Neuralink first tested its brain implants on monkeys and pigs which garnered criticism in the press.

"Recent articles have raised questions around Neuralink’s use of research animals at the University of California, Davis Primate Center. It is important to note that these accusations come from people who oppose any use of animals in research," Neuralink responded in its blog. 

"Currently, all novel medical devices and treatments must be tested in animals before they can be ethically trialed in humans. Neuralink is not unique in this regard."

In 2021, Neuralink demonstrated a monkey playing the video game "Pong" using the Neuralink implant.