Neuralink, a brain computer interface (BCI) company under Elon Musk, recently announced that the company has received approval to conduct feasibility studies using its brain implants and experimental robotic arms.
On Monday (November 25th) local time, Neuralink posted on social media X, "We are pleased to announce that a new feasibility trial has been approved and launched, which will use BCI control of N1 implants to expand to an investigational assistive robotic arm
The new research by Neuralink, called "CONVOY," is an important first step in restoring digital and physical freedom. The tweet also mentioned that members who are currently participating in the PRIME trial can also participate in CONVOY's trial.
Neuralink's PRIME project aims to develop a "fully implantable, wireless brain computer interface" that empowers people with the ability to control computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts. Currently, two participants have been implanted with the company's brain computer interface device, the N1 implant.
The first participant, Noland Arbaugh, with the help of the device, can use his mind to control the mouse cursor, browse the Internet, watch live broadcasts, post on social media, and play online computer games with friends.
The second participant Alex can control the mouse cursor more accurately, operate CAD (computer-aided design) software, and play the shooting game Counter Strike 2 (CS2). Neuralink stated that the company will explore and expand Alex's skill range in order to achieve more possibilities.
Last week, Neuralink's "CAN-PRIME" was approved by Health Canada to launch, recruiting for the first time in the country six paralyzed patients willing to have 1000 electrode contacts implanted in their brains. However, Canada's experiment, like PRIME from the United States, is still at the "digital level".
Neuralink previously mentioned that the company plans to "extend the functionality of its brain computer system to the real physical world" to enable control of robotic arms, wheelchairs, and other technologies that may help improve the independence of quadriplegic patients.