The company Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, has taken another step in its goal of implanting chips in people's brains, which in terminology is known as the development of a brain-computer interface (BCI technology). English, brain computer interface). Musk's company has opened registration for its first human study, called PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface). He has done so after receiving approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to carry out clinical trials, an approval that Musk had already announced last May.
This announcement, made through a statement on the Neuralink blog, marks a milestone in BCI technology research. The PRIME study will focus on evaluating the safety of the company's N1 implant (a brain chip) and its R1 surgical robot, as well as exploring the initial functionality of the BCI technology. This interface aims to allow people with quadriplegia, due to cervical spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), to control external devices using only their mind.
The BCI acts as a bridge between the human mind and machines, converting electrical signals from the brain into digital commands understandable by computers. Neuralink's N1 system uses a Utah array of ultra-thin probes that is implanted into the patient's motor cortex using robotic surgery. These probes record and transmit electrical brain signals to an application that interprets them as commands.
Despite Elon Musk's statements about futuristic and somewhat outlandish applications of BCI technology, such as learning Kung Fu or uploading consciousness to the web, Neuralink's initial and practical focus is on improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Neuralink has been developing the N1 system since 2017 and, despite past controversies related to animal testing, has finally gained FDA approval to conduct human trials under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE).
Competition in the field of brain-computer interfaces is increasing. In fact, companies like Synchron have moved ahead of Neuralink in conducting human testing. While Musk has talked about futuristic goals for his company, such as symbiosis with artificial intelligence, the initial focus remains on helping those suffering from brain injuries and paralysis.
To be eligible for the PRIME study, candidates must have tetraplegia, cervical spinal cord injuries, or ALS, be at least 22 years old, and have a consistent, reliable caregiver. Participants will undergo surgery for BCI implantation and the study is expected to last approximately six years, with multiple follow-up visits.
The PRIME study represents an important step toward realizing this initial goal and could, over time, have a significant impact on the lives of people with neuromuscular disabilities.
