The first human trial of a brain- computer interface is being planned by Neuralink
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Neuralink, Inc.: a Brain-to-Cognizance Implant for Robotic Robotics (Neuralink)
In a post on its website today, Neuralink states that the initial goal of its BCI will be to “grant people the ability to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone.” The clinical trial will test the safety of the company’s implant and surgical robot and assess the BCI’s functionality.
This is not a computer that Musk has been talking about for years. Neuralink plans to test an artificial intelligence system that’s close to Musk’s goal of helping humans keep up with machines.
More than a decade ago, researchers were testing implants that could be used to allow people with paralysis to control computers. Two studies published in the last few weeks show brain-to- computer interface can help patients communicate with each other.
A representative from Neuralink did not respond to a request for an interview immediately after they were asked about the trial.
Neuralink says that its implant is not visible when implanted. It records neural activity using 1,024 electrodes, distributed across 64 threads, each thinner than a human hair.
During the study, the robot will surgically place the implant into a part of the brain that controls movement intention. The implant will record and transmit brain signals to an app that will decode movement intentions.
The company’s device will not be implanted in a specific area of the brain, nor does it know how many people will take part in the study.
At a Neuralink “show and tell” last November, Musk spoke about two possible use cases for the implant: to help people with paralysis control tech devices and to restore vision. There was no mention of a vision device in this release.
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