Elon Musk: second Neuralink brain chip implant in human trial

The primary function of Neuralink's technology is to enhance the autonomy of individuals with severe disabilities, allowing them to control digital devices, such as a mouse cursor, through thought alone. The first human trial, conducted in January 2024, involved a patient named Noland Arbaugh. Over time, updates revealed that Arbaugh had successfully played video games like Civilization VI and Mario Kart using the Neuralink interface. However, the trials also faced challenges, including the gradual disconnection of some electrodes, which led to a necessary algorithm rewrite.

The second participant in Neuralink's PRIME Study, referred to as Alex, successfully received the Link brain implant during a procedure at the Barrow Neurological Institute. The surgery was completed without complications, and Alex was discharged the following day. Since then, he has begun utilising the device to enhance his interaction with digital platforms. The Link implant has enabled Alex to improve his proficiency in playing video games and explore new skills in computer-aided design (CAD).

His rapid adaptation to the technology is important, as it highlights Neuralink's potential to provide a high-performance interface for individuals with quadriplegia, offering them greater autonomy in their daily lives.

The primary goal of the PRIME Study is to evaluate the safety and practicality of the Link in everyday use, and the study focuses on several key areas, including the initial setup experience, the range of capabilities the device unlocks, and the measures taken to prevent complications such as thread retraction, which was observed in the first participant.

Upon connecting the Link to his computer, Alex was able to control a cursor using his thoughts within minutes, surpassing the performance of previous assistive technologies. This immediate success mirrors the experience of the first participant, who also set new records for brain-computer interface (BCI) cursor control.

Before his spinal cord injury, Alex worked as an automotive technician and had a passion for building and repairing vehicles. The Link has allowed him to revisit this interest by enabling him to design 3D objects using CAD software.

On his second day with the implant, he successfully designed a custom mount for his Neuralink charger, which was later 3D printed and incorporated into his setup.

Neuralink is collaborating with Alex to further enhance his productivity by refining the control mechanisms available through the Link, allowing him to seamlessly navigate different functions within the CAD software.

In addition to CAD, Alex enjoys playing first-person shooter games, which typically require complex input combinations. Before receiving the Link, he used a Quadstick, a mouth-operated joystick, to control these games, though it limited his ability to move and aim simultaneously. The Link, combined with the Quadstick, has now allowed him to overcome this limitation, providing a more intuitive and fluid gaming experience.

To address the challenges observed with the first participant, such as thread retraction, Neuralink implemented various mitigations during Alex's surgery. These included reducing brain motion and minimising the gap between the implant and the brain's surface. No thread retraction has been observed in Alex's case.

Looking ahead, Neuralink is focused on expanding the functionality of the Link, including the development of features that decode multiple clicks and simultaneous movements, which would provide users with complete mouse and video game controller capabilities. Additionally, the company is working on algorithms to recognise handwriting intent, which could improve text entry speed. These advancements aim to both restore digital autonomy for individuals with physical impairments as well as enable communication for those with neurological conditions that affect speech.

Neuralink also plans to extend the Link's capabilities to interact with the physical world, potentially allowing users to control robotic arms or wheelchairs, further enhancing their independence.