Neuralink, the brain interface company under Elon Mask, is looking for patients on a global scale to test its devices that allow people to control computers. In a post published on 2 April on X (a social media platform also owned by Mask), Neuralink indicated that patients looking for limb paralysis (inability to use arms or legs) were participating in clinical trials.
As of January, Neuralink reported that three patients had implanted the equipment. The three patients were paralyzed with limbs and participated in a clinical trial called "Accurate robotic implant-computer interface" (PRIME study) to test a small brain implant that tracks neuroactivity to control computers or smart phones.
Neuralink is one of many companies and academic institutions that have developed and tested so-called brain-computer interfaces, ranging from line implants in clinical trials to non-intrusive devices with similar hats. According to information from the Neuralink website, its six-year clinical PRIME research is looking for four-legged paraplegics with spinal cord damage or myotric atrophy sclerosis to control computers through their thinking.
Nolan Abak, the first patient to receive Neuralink brain implants, stated that there had been no side effects after one year of implantation. As a quadrupee, Abak demonstrated about a year ago how to use his brain chip to control his computer cursor to play chess and surf the Internet. He now uses brain chips for more than 10 hours per day for various services. In addition, he mentioned that company researchers were exploring the use of implants to control wheelchairs and expressed optimism about future applications.