Neuralink, the neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk, has successfully demonstrated that its first human patient can control a computer mouse using only their mind. This achievement comes after the patient fully recovered from the implantation of Neuralink’s brain chip, named “Telepathy,” last month.
The “Telepathy” device, a brain-computer interface, was implanted in the patient as part of Neuralink’s pioneering human trials. These trials were designed to explore the potential for individuals with paralysis to interact with computers using thought alone, without the need for physical movements. This first human test follows extensive research and testing on animals, including monkeys and pigs, which laid the groundwork for this historic moment.
Elon Musk shared the exciting news during a presentation on X, where he highlighted the patient’s complete recovery and the absence of any known adverse effects from the procedure. Musk’s enthusiasm was palpable as he described the patient’s ability to move a mouse cursor across a screen with thought alone. The focus now, according to Musk, is on enabling the patient to perform as many mouse clicks as possible through mental commands.
This breakthrough is just the beginning of Neuralink’s ambitious plans. The company has announced that it expects to conduct a total of 11 surgeries this year, targeting individuals who have lost the use of their limbs. These initial implants have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ensuring that the trials adhere to strict safety and ethical standards.
According to documents provided by Neuralink to investors, the company has approximately 27 surgeries planned for the year 2025 and another 79 for 2026. The plan is to significantly increase the scale of human testing from then on. The company estimates that they will conduct 499 surgeries in 2027, and this number will increase to 22,204 surgeries by 2030.
Neuralink’s long-term goals extend far beyond basic computer navigation. The company aims to address a range of conditions, including paralysis, blindness, schizophrenia, and depression, through its innovative technology. Musk has also articulated a broader vision for Neuralink, suggesting that it could play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with artificial intelligence by significantly enhancing the bandwidth of communication between humans and AI.
The financial aspect of Neuralink’s operations is as ambitious as its technological goals. The cost of each surgery, including examinations, components, and labor, is estimated at approximately $10,500. However, Neuralink projects that its operations could generate annual revenues of $100 million within five years.
