Elon Musk, the tech entrepreneur behind Neuralink, has announced a significant milestone for the company’s brain chip technology. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk revealed that Neuralink has successfully restored sight to blind monkeys using their revolutionary implant.
Musk’s statement followed Neuralink’s earlier announcement that their first human patient had received an implant in January. The patient showcased the capabilities of the brain chip by playing chess on a computer during a nine-minute livestream on X.
Neuralink’s ultimate objective is to establish a connection between human brains and computers to address complex neurological conditions. Musk expressed his aspirations for restoring eyesight, acknowledging that the initial resolution may be comparable to early Nintendo graphics but has the potential to surpass normal human vision in the long run.
In an assurance to critics, Musk emphasized that no monkeys have been harmed or experienced serious injuries as a result of Neuralink’s devices.
During the presentation, the patient, identified as Arbaugh, described the surgery as remarkably straightforward. He went on to reveal that, thanks to Neuralink, he was able to play the video game Civilization VI for eight hours. However, he acknowledged that there are still some imperfections and unresolved issues with the technology.
Neuralink’s progress in restoring sight to blind monkeys represents a significant advancement in the field of brain-computer interfaces. While challenges remain, the potential for groundbreaking applications in healthcare and human augmentation is becoming increasingly tangible.