Billionaire Elon Musk revealed that Neuralink, his brain-computer interface company, is working on restoring complete body functionality. The breakthrough targets the motor cortex to achieve this for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Musk expressed confidence in Neuralink’s ability to bridge communication beyond damaged nerves, physically enabling full body restoration.
The technology, introduced by Musk in 2022, involves a chip replacing a part of the skull and linking to the brain through electrodes. Neuralink’s N1 implant boasts 1,024 electrodes across 64 threads. In a significant development, the company successfully implanted the device in 12 patients last September.
Neuralink’s recent progress includes a brain implant called Blindsight, designed to restore vision for the visually impaired, including those blind from birth. This device received a “breakthrough device” designation from the FDA in September 2024. Musk announced plans for high-volume production and a more streamlined surgical process by 2026, emphasizing the potential to restore vision for individuals who have lost both eyes.
