The first human patient implanted with a brain chip from Neuralink has fully recovered and is able to control a computer mouse using the power of thought, the startup’s founder Elon Musk said, Reuters reports.
“The progress is good, and the patient appears to have made a full recovery, with no side effects that we know of,” Musk said.
According to him, the first patient is able to control a computer mouse with his mind.
Musk said that Neuralink is now trying to get as many mouse clicks as possible from the patient.
Last month, the firm successfully implanted the chip in its first human patient, after receiving approval in September to recruit people for trials.
The study uses a robot that surgically places an implant in the area of the brain that controls the intention to move, Neuralink said, adding that the initial goal is to enable people to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts.
Musk has big ambitions for Neuralink, saying that it will facilitate rapid surgical installation of its chip devices to treat diseases such as obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia.
Neuralink, which was valued at about $5 billion last year, has repeatedly faced calls for a review of its security protocols.
