Neuralink has received full approval to recruit the first human test subjects for their N1 brain computer interface device and R1 surgical robot procedure. An independent institutional review board has approved the trial, which will evaluate the safety and initial functionality of Neuralink's fully implantable wireless brain computer interface. The study will focus on enabling people with full body paralysis to control external devices with their thoughts. The Prime study is expected to take up to six years to complete and will enroll around 10 patients suffering from quadriplegia due to a cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuralink believes their procedure has the potential to offer a complete solution to this significant problem, helping people to live a more fulfilling life by increasing their ability to communicate with the outside world.
1. Neuralink has announced their first human trial for their brain implant device.
2. The trial is named Prime study and will take up to six years to complete.
3. Patients will check in with a medical team every two months to monitor progress and ensure the device continues to work as intended.
4. The aim is to evaluate the safety of the M1 implant and R1 surgical robot, then assess the initial functionality of the technology.
5. Neuralink is actively recruiting trial subjects in the US who suffer from quadriplegia, paraplegia, vision loss, hearing loss, the inability to speak, or major limb amputation.
6. The technology will allow people to control external devices with their thoughts.
7. The N1 implant will be cosmetically invisible and transmit and record brain signals wirelessly through a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone app.
8. Neuralink's long-term goal is to bridge the gap between the human brain and artificial general intelligence.
9. Elon Musk believes neuralink technology could reverse the degenerative effects of brain diseases like ALS, Parkinson's, or Alzheimer's.
10. Neuralink has a patient registry open to anyone within the United States who suffers from certain conditions and is at least 18 years old.