Neuralink’s first patient has achieved a significant milestone by controlling a computer mouse merely through thought, Elon Musk confirmed.

“Progress is good, patient seems to have made a full recovery … and is able to control the mouse, move the mouse around the screen just by thinking,” Musk, Neuralink’s CEO, said in an event on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night.

The patient in question is the first human to be implanted with Neuralink’s brain chip. While the details about the patient are not disclosed due to confidentiality reasons, this achievement marks a pivotal moment in the field of neurotechnology.

Neuralink aims to create devices that can be implanted in the human brain to treat neurological conditions and enable symbiosis with AI. The company is also working on a version of the implant for paraplegics who have lost the ability to move or sense because of a spinal cord injury.

Recruitment for Neuralink’s clinical trials began last fall. This followed FDA approval in May for human studies. These trials are crucial steps towards bringing this technology to the public.

It was only last month when the Neuralink’s first patient was implanted with the device. The company used a robot to accurately implant the device in the human brain. Musk’s vision includes translating thoughts into digital commands, like moving a mouse or dragging objects on a screen.

This recent development of controlling a computer mouse through thought signifies a promising start. This is not just a technical achievement but a potential lifeline for those with disabilities. By restoring lost functions, Neuralink’s technology could significantly improve quality of life.

However, Musk emphasized that the company is striving for even more accurate control. “We are trying to get as many button presses as possible,” Musk explained.

As we await further developments and more concrete data from Neuralink, one thing is clear: this initial success has brought us one step closer to a future where mind-controlled devices could become a reality.

Image Source: India Today