Neuralink, the neurotechnology company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, has completed its first brain chip implant in a human subject.
Musk announced the development on X, saying the patient received an implant known as "Telepathy" on January 28 and is "recovering well."
Telepathy, a wireless brain-computer interface, "enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking," Musk explained.
"Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs," he posted. "Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal."
According to Neuralink, which started accepting applications for its human clinical trial in September, Telepathy enables people with paralysis to control external devices with their thoughts.
During the implantation process, a robot is used to drill a small hole in the skull and place "ultra-fine and flexible threads in a region of the brain that controls movement intention."
The device works by recording and transmitting brain signals wirelessly to an app that decodes movement intention. Neuralink said the goal of their FDA-approved trial is to grant people the ability to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone.
"[The study] represents an important step in our mission to create a generalized brain interface to restore autonomy to those with unmet medical needs," including those with quadriplegia or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the company said in a statement.
The study is expected to take approximately six years to complete. During the study, participants will have regular follow-ups with a team of experts to monitor progress and ensure the implant continues to work as intended.
In his announcement, Musk said the patient's initial results "show promising neuron spike detection," indicating the implant is apparently picking up brain signals and working as anticipated.
While sharing updates about the technology in 2022, Musk said he planned to get the chip implanted into his own brain once the device is ready.