Neuralink, under Elon Musk, has implanted its N1 brain-computer interface in seven subjects, including spinal cord injury and ALS patients. By decoding neural activity, the device enables thought-driven cursor navigation, text entry, and CAD design. Supported by a $650 million Series E, this advances clinical and consumer applications of invasive BCIs.
Key points
- Implantation of N1 BCIs in seven patients with spinal cord injuries and ALS.
- Intracortical electrodes decode neural firing patterns for cursor navigation, text entry, and CAD design.
- $650 million Series E financing fuels expansion of clinical trials and device optimization.
Why it matters: This breakthrough demonstrates clinical viability of invasive BCIs for restoring digital control in patients with severe neurological conditions, marking a paradigm shift in neuroprosthetic therapies.
Q&A
- What is the N1 implant?
- How do invasive and non-invasive BCIs differ?
- What challenges remain for widespread BCI use?
- How does neural decoding work?
