- Neuralink, the neurotechnology firm co-founded by Elon Musk, has marked 100 days since human tests began on its technology.
- The tests were conducted on Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic man from Arizona, who had the company’s first-generation N1 Link device surgically implanted in January.
- Despite some initial setbacks, Arbaugh has been able to set a new brain control world record, achieving human brain-computer interface (BCI) cursor control of 4.6 BPS.
Neuralink, Elon Musk’s neurotechnology firm, marks 100 days of human testing, with quadriplegic patient setting a new brain control world record.
Neuralink Marks 100 Days of Human Testing
Neuralink, the neurotechnology company co-founded by Elon Musk, has marked a significant milestone with 100 days since human tests began on its technology. The tests were conducted on one human subject, Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic man from Arizona. Arbaugh had the company’s first-generation N1 Link device surgically implanted in January and was able to go home the next day.
Initial Setbacks and Rapid Improvements
While the testing period was not without its challenges, with some of the ultra-thin electrodes inserted into Arbaugh’s brain retracting, the company reported in a progress update that they have made significant improvements. “In response to this change, we modified the recording algorithm to be more sensitive to neural population signals, improved the techniques to translate these signals into cursor movements, and enhanced the user interface,” Neuralink wrote. “These refinements produced a rapid and sustained improvement in BPS that has now superseded Noland’s initial performance.”
Setting a New Brain Control World Record
Despite the initial setbacks, Arbaugh has since been able to set a new brain control world record. He achieved human brain-computer interface (BCI) cursor control of 4.6 BPS, surpassing the best results previously documented by researchers. He went on to achieve 8.0 BPS, and is currently trying to beat a Neuralink engineer’s score using a mouse of 10 BPS.
Conclusion
The progress made by Neuralink in its human testing phase is a significant step forward in neurotechnology. Despite initial challenges, the company’s ability to adapt and improve its technology has led to a new world record in brain control. As Neuralink continues its research and development, the potential applications of this technology could revolutionize the way humans interact with computers and potentially offer new opportunities for those with physical disabilities.
