Elon Musk’s company Neuralink faced a challenge with its first patient’s brain implant. In the weeks following the January surgery, some of the electrodes detached from the man’s brain, as acknowledged in a blog post by Neuralink on Wednesday.
The issue was mitigated by adjusting the software. The problem was only disclosed by Neuralink after the „Wall Street Journal“ inquired about it.
Neuralink’s implant is designed to enable controlling a smartphone and other technology through thoughts. In May 2023, the company received approval to test the flat and round implant on humans in a clinical study after being tested on monkeys. The implant consists of 1024 electrodes connected to the brain by a robot using an extremely fine needle. Potential study participants were individuals with tetraplegia, affecting both legs and arms.
When individuals prepare to move, a specific brain area becomes active. The electrodes capture these signals, allowing actions like using a computer cursor by merely imagining movements. The first patient with the Neuralink implant can browse the internet, play chess, and „Mario Kart,“ according to the company.
Due to detached electrodes, the cursor’s precision and speed initially decreased, as per Neuralink. Adjustments included enhancing the algorithm to detect brain activity and improving the technology facilitating cursor movements. Following software modifications, accuracy levels surpassed previous values.
Neuralink did not specify the reasons for electrode detachment. One theory suggested air might have remained in the skull after the operation. The study is under the oversight of the US FDA.
Research on brain-computer interfaces resembling Neuralink’s has been ongoing for years, with some individuals already receiving various implants. Neuralink faces competition from several companies aiming to commercialize similar technology.
