Neuralink’s remotely rechargeable implant goes along with electrode-laced threads that go further into the brain. The company also has an R1 robot designed to implant the BCI system while avoiding vasculature. It’s one of many companies vying for the top spot in the growing BCI space.
In September 2023, Neuralink opened up recruitment for its first-in-human clinical trial after the FDA OK’d it about a year ago. Musk said in January that the first patient received their implant, which he plans to call “Telepathy.” A nine-minute livestream demonstration showed Noland Arbaugh using the Neuralink BCI to move a computer cursor and play chess online.
However, since that first implant, Neuralink has faced scrutiny over a potential wiring issue with the BCI. The company said earlier this month that several threads retracted from the brain in the weeks following the first human implant. The retraction led to a net decrease in the number of effective electrodes and a reduction in data bits-per-second (BPS). This metric measures the speed and accuracy of the patient’s ability to use the BCI technology to control a computer mouse cursor.
Reuters then reported last week that people familiar with the matter say Neuralink knew of this issue for years, but felt it was not enough of a risk to require a redesign effort.
The WSJ report said Neuralink plans to fix the wiring issue by embedding wires deeper into the brain as it prepares for its next human implant. The FDA, according to the WSJ, said it can’t discuss or disclose information related to human clinical trial applications, but the outlet’s sources say the agency has given Neuralink the green light to conduct its next procedure.
Neuralink plans to implant the Telepathy device in a second patient next month, the report said. The company expects a total of 10 implants this year.
According to the WSJ, the company also plans to submit applications to begin trials in Canada and the UK in the coming months.
