Elon Musk has shared a major update on the first human recipient of a Neuralink brain chip, revealing that the patient can now control a computer mouse through their thoughts. Known for developing implantable brain-computer interfaces, Neuralink successfully implanted a chip on its first human patient last month, following regulatory approval for human trial recruitment in September.
Musk, who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his advocacy of free speech, shared the news during a recent conversation with journalist Katherine Brodsky. However, the groundbreaking development of Neuralink has triggered fear among people.
Elon Musk Reveals Neuralink Patient Controls Computer Mouse with Thoughts
The founder of Neuralink, Elon Musk, has revealed that the patient implanted with the company’s neurotechnology can control a computer mouse solely with their thoughts. He made the groundbreaking revelation during an X Spaces event hosted by journalist Katherine Brodsky.
The businessman shared that the patient has exhibited full recovery with no adverse effects and has demonstrated the ability to navigate the mouse across the screen just by thinking. He also shared that they are now trying to get as many mouse button clicks as possible from the patient. Musk said,
Progress is good. Patient seems to have made a full recovery with no ill effects that we are aware of and is able to control the mouse, move the mouse around the screen just by thinking. So, we’re trying to get as many button presses as possible from thinking. So, that’s what we’re currently working on.”
The achievement marked a significant milestone for Neuralink, which aims to utilize neural signals for controlling external technologies. The company’s overarching objective is to restore functionalities such as vision, motor skills, and speech with the brain chip.
People Express Concern About the Latest Neuralink Update
Elon Musk’s recent update on the Neuralink brain chip has stirred concerns among individuals, who have taken to the social media platform X(Twitter) to share their reactions. One user expressed worry about job opportunities, fearing that automation could render traditional employment obsolete as they said, “RIP to job opportunities.”
Many also expressed their concern, reflecting on the patient’s potential state after three months along with others voicing worries about the technical glitches, as they expressed apprehension about security risks, stating, “What if the Neuralink chip gets hacked?”
“So what happens when the WIFI gets disconnected or there’s a glitch in the system?” another X (Twitter) user questioned. However, skepticism remained, with doubts about the future of smartphones in the wake of Neuralink’s potential dominance.
RIP to job opportunities 💔
— KOT OCS👮👮 (@WaruiJohn2) February 20, 2024
In the future, employment opportunities will be limited to just 500 individuals.
— Aryan Shinde (@AryanSh74375908) February 21, 2024
who is that patient and why would they agree to this life-threatening thing.
— Obliviblade1015 (@Obliviblade) February 21, 2024
Imagine this 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/fpT2rod6oI
— Nungua Burnaboy (@Views09) February 20, 2024
The patient after 3 months😔 pic.twitter.com/hH6aCyK10E
— Mate (@ThatOneMate55) February 20, 2024
So what happens when the WIFI gets disconnected or there’s a glitch in the system? 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/CyF2t1fAfZ
— Wocc𖤐 (@woccery) February 20, 2024
Questions about system crashes and the safety of patients participating in trials underscored the broader unease. While the Neuralink breakthrough represents a leap forward in neuroscience and technology, it also prompts critical reflections on its societal, ethical, and safety implications.
