The Neuralink founded by Elon Musk which works on an implantable brain-computer, announced its first human experiment which faces malfunction. The test was to implant the Neuralink chip into the human brain, later on it experienced a malfunction.
Neuralink has invented the brain-computer interface that is also known as Link which helps
paralyzed humans to control their bodies through the brain by using neural link technology.
According to the Neural ink, the Link system can capture neural signals through 1,024 electrodes distributed across 64 threads, with a thickness of human hair.
Back in January, Neuralink conducted the device implantation on 29-year-old participant Noland AR Baugh for safety evaluation.
Following the January 28 procedure, Musk announced on X that AR Baugh was “recovering well” and that “initial results indicated promising neuron spike detection.”
In March the company streamed a live video in which they featured AR Baugh under the test of BCI and they stated that the surgical process went very well. However, a few weeks later, the company revealed that the device was experiencing a malfunction.
According to the report, several threads have been down in the brain of AR Baugh. As a result, the number of electrodes has been reduced, slowing down the speed and accuracy of the Link.
There is no exact information about how many threads have retarded from brain tissues. Instead, they stated that they are adjusting the recording algorithm, improving the user interface, and working on refining techniques for translating signals into cursor movements.
The company is also considering the removal of chip implants from the AR Baugh. Although he is not facing any critical issues.
Despite the withdrawal of particular threads from the brain tissue of AR Baugh, he still uses the BCI system of Neural ink for eight hours to 10 hours on weekends.
According to the Neuralink BlogSpot, AR Baugh described that by using the Link he experienced the ‘luxury overload’ that helped him ‘reconnect with the world’.
And Neuralink has got the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to bring the technology to market.
Neuralink is also included in those companies that are working on the brain-computer interface to create the connection between the brain and external devices.
The purpose of this technology was to translate the brain signals into the particular intended movement. That can also be used by the individual with a paralyzed body to control the external device like cursor or keyboard using their thoughts.
Neural invented the coin-sized chip that needs to be implanted within the skull. This implant consists of a battery, processing chip, and necessary electronics for system operation. It consists of 64 flexible “threads,” each thinner than a human hair and containing 16 electrodes. These threads are intended to penetrate the brain tissue to gather signals from neuronal groups. However, according to Neura link, some of these threads failed to remain securely in position.