Key points from article :
Neuralink, a company led by Elon Musk, has provided an update on its human trials involving brain implants designed to help paralyzed patients control devices with their thoughts. The first patient received an implant in January, but after the procedure, some of the implant’s threads retracted from the brain, which weakened the device’s ability to receive brain signals.
To address this issue, Neuralink implemented changes in its approach for the second patient, named Alex. These changes included reducing brain motion during surgery and minimizing the gap between the implant and the brain's surface.
So far, these adjustments seem to be effective, as no thread retraction has been observed in Alex. In the weeks following his surgery in July, Alex has used the implant to design a custom mount for his Neuralink charger using computer-aided design (CAD) software, which was then 3D printed.
He has also enhanced his gaming experience by using the implant in combination with a mouth-operated joystick to play Counter-Strike 2, allowing him to move and aim simultaneously.
Neuralink is now focused on expanding the implant’s capabilities. The company is working on algorithms to enable the chip to decode multiple clicks and movements, aiming to deliver full mouse and video game controller functionality. Additionally, Neuralink is developing technology to recognize a user’s intent to write by hand, which could lead to faster text entry.
This advancement would be particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions like ALS, who are unable to speak, as it would improve their ability to communicate. The company also plans to develop features that allow users to interact with the physical world, such as controlling a wheelchair or operating a robotic hand to assist with daily tasks.
