Neuralink, a company owned by the billionaire Elon Musk, that is focused on developing a brain-computer interface (BCI) system, recently encountered its first technical issue with the system implanted in humans. According to CNBC, part of the implanted chip was damaged in the brain of the first patient, Noland Arbaugh, causing some of the “wires” that record nerve signals to become detached from the brain tissue.
This detachment reduced the number of effective electrodes, which affected the system’s ability to measure speed and accuracy. The BCI system is expected to help paralyzed patients control peripheral devices with just their thoughts.
Neuralink has taken several steps to address the issue, including adjusting the signal recording algorithm, improving the user interface, and working to improve the techniques for translating signals into mouse cursor movements.
Neuralink has not disclosed the number of ” broken wires ” or shared additional information about the patient’s health condition. Despite the issue, Neuralink has stated that the implanted chip is safe for patients, and the patient can still use the BCI system for about eight hours a day during the week and ten hours a day on weekends.
This incident raises concerns about the safety and effectiveness of brain chip implant technology, which has the potential to bring many medical benefits in the future. Neuralink still has a long way to go in testing and perfecting the BCI system before it can be commercialized.