Musk Neuralink Opens Applications for Second Human Trial

Elon Musk’s brain implant startup, Neuralink, has opened applications for a second participant in its human trial, testing the efficacy of its brain chip connecting people with mobility issues to smart devices.

Musk confirmed the news on X, (formerly Twitter), including a video of the first human patient to receive the implant, Noland Arbaugh, speaking about his experience.

“Neuralink is accepting applications for the second participant,” Musk wrote. “This is our Telepathy cybernetic brain implant that allows you to control your phone and computer just by thinking.

“No one better than Noland himself to tell you about the first!”

The news comes just a week after the company disclosed issues with its first in-person deployment, with several wires connecting the chip to Arbaugh’s brain detaching and causing a decline in functionality. 

In the same announcement, Neuralink said the problem was resolved, with the chip operating at a level “that has now superseded [the patient’s] initial performance.”

Neuralink announced it had successfully completed its first implant of the brain chip in January, deployed in Arbaugh who is living with quadriplegia after a diving incident.

The chip, dubbed Telepathy, is designed to allow users to control smart devices such as phones or tablets with their minds.

Related:Musk Neuralink Reports Issue With First Implanted Brain Chip

Since it was fitted, Arbaugh has been able to control a computer mouse with only his thoughts and play video games including Mario Kart.

“Enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking,” Musk wrote on social media at its launch. “Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs.

“Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.”