The company Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, announced the successful implantation of a device in a third patient and plans to conduct an additional 20-30 procedures in 2025. This was reported by Bloomberg.
“We now have three people with Neuralink implants, and they are working well,” Musk stated at an event in Las Vegas, which was streamed on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
As part of its ongoing research, Neuralink is assessing the safety and efficacy of its implants. In the United States, the company has registered two clinical programs: the PRIME Study, where up to five patients will be able to control computers and smartphones using their thoughts, and Convoy, which aims to assist three patients in operating robotic prosthetics.
The implantation of the neurointerface is performed using a surgical robot that places “ultra-thin” threads in the part of the brain responsible for movement. These threads transmit signals that are converted into commands for external devices.
Neuralink began implanting chips in 2024. The first patient was Noland Arbo, a resident of Arizona, who, despite complications, successfully participated in the trials. In May, the company received approval to implant a chip in a second patient, but the operation was postponed due to the volunteer's health condition. Alex became the second patient with an implanted chip, which Neuralink reported in August.
The company is also continuing to enhance the device's capabilities. Plans include improving control over external devices such as robots or wheelchairs.
Company founder Elon Musk stated, “If all goes well, in a few years we will have hundreds of people with Neuralink chips, in five years—tens of thousands, and in ten years—millions.”
In September, Neuralink received the designation of a “breakthrough device” for its new chip aimed at treating blindness. The device is expected to enable vision even for those who have completely lost their eyes and optic nerve.
Earlier, Spot reported that Elon Musk presented a robotaxi, an autonomous van, and a humanoid robot.