Neuralink Chip Completes 100 Days in First Human Despite Expert's Concerns

Neuralink Corp, founded by Elon Musk, has recently marked the 100-day milestone of the first human brain-computer interface (BCI) implant within its 'PRIME' study. The participant, Noland Arbaugh, received the Neuralink device at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. The trial aims to assess the safety and utility of the brain chip in everyday activities. Following the implant, Arbaugh has been able to control his laptop, play computer games online, browse the internet, and use applications on his MacBook.

However, during the course of these 100 days, the company encountered a technical issue when some of the threads retracted from Arbaugh's brain, leading to a reduction in the number of effective electrodes and a decrease in bits per second (BPS), impacting the system's performance. Despite this, Arbaugh continues to use the device extensively, even up to 10 hours on weekends.

In response to the malfunction, Neuralink has made several improvements to the technology. These include adjustments to the recording algorithm, enhancements to the user interface, and refined techniques for translating neural signals into cursor movements. The company is also working on advancing text input capabilities and considering applications of the device for controlling robotic arms and wheelchairs.