Latest news with #PreciseRoboticallyImplantedBrain-ComputerInterface
New York Post
10-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Fifth paralyzed patient implanted with Elon Musk-backed Neuralink chip that allows brain to control smartphone
A fifth paralyzed patient has been implanted with a Neuralink chip backed by Elon Musk. Military veteran RJ, also known as 'P5,' suffered a spinal cord injury after a motorcycle accident that left him without the use of his arms or legs. Since his surgery in April, when a team of doctors at the University of Miami implanted a chip the size of a small coin into his brain, RJ has been able to control his smartphone and computer with his mind. Advertisement 3 RJ, or P5, speaks to NBC6 about his Neuralink brain implant. NBC 6 South Florida 'I think my favorite thing has been being able to turn on my TV,' RJ, the first patient to receive the chip at the Miami hospital, told NBC's South Florida station. Neuralink, the brain computer device company founded by Musk, partnered with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis on the procedure – and it has been a success, according to the doctor who led the surgery. Advertisement 'In its early stages, it's been very successful at allowing them to accomplish goals they could not otherwise accomplish,' Dr. Jonathan Jagid said. RJ was discharged from the hospital the day after the procedure. 'They're giving me my spark back…my drive back. They've given me my purpose back. Now, I'm able to turn around and build that fire for the next guys that come through,' RJ said. Neuralink did not immediately respond to The Post's request for comment. Advertisement RJ and the other implant patients, all of whom are paralyzed from a spinal cord injury or ALS, are taking part in a clinical trial that Neuralink launched last year known as PRIME, or Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface. 3 Elon Musk (center) and the team of doctors at the University of Miami who completed the procedure. These BCIs read the electrode signals produced by neurons in the brain and transmit them into computer commands. The closer to the brain, the more accurate the transcription – hence the implantation process. Neuralink has discussed plans to eventually help patients regain their eyesight or speech. Advertisement 'We're hoping later this year to do our first device implant for a human, enabling someone who is completely blind to see,' Musk said during an event in Wisconsin in March. 3 RJ is the first patient to receive the Neuralink chip at the Miami hospital. University of Miami 'It will start off low-res, but over time, I think eventually the implant will enable vision that is superhuman, so that will be really cool.' Several agencies have reportedly raised concerns about the safety of Neuralink's implant surgeries. The FDA questioned the safety of the device's lithium battery, the potential for the implant's tiny wires to migrate in the brain and whether the device could be removed without damaging brain tissue, according to a Reuters report in 2023. It approved Neuralink's first human clinical trial a few months later.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Web-Surfing With Your Brain' by 2030? Neuralink's $9B Valuation Sparks Debate Over Musk's Telepathy Timeline
Elon Musk's brain-computer interface company Neuralink has raised $600 million in new funding at a $9 billion valuation, according to Semafor. The fundraising round follows the company's first human implant earlier this year and expands its efforts to develop medical applications for its brain chip technology. Musk has previously stated that humans may be able to surf the web with their thoughts by the end of 2030, Reuters reported. The claim has drawn renewed attention amid the funding news. In January, MIT Technology Review noted that neuroscience experts have questioned the feasibility of this timeline. Don't Miss:Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. Neuralink began human trials in 2024 after receiving U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to implant its brain-computer interface, or BCI, in paralysis patients. The first participant, Noland Arbaugh, underwent surgery in January 2024 and was later shown controlling a computer cursor and playing online chess using only his thoughts, according to Reuters. In May 2024, Neuralink registered a clinical study in the U.S. government trials database, aiming to enroll three participants. The company is also expanding its trial footprint internationally, having received approval from Health Canada in November 2024 to recruit six patients for a study testing the device's safety and efficacy in enabling cursor movement through brain activity. Trending: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: . While early demonstrations suggest meaningful progress, the technology remains highly experimental. Neuralink is currently conducting an early feasibility study called the Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface, with three participants implanted. The company has not yet registered a pivotal trial — the FDA-required phase for commercial approval — and continues to modify its device design, including electrode and surgical robot upgrades, according to MIT Technology Review. Neuralink's valuation has risen sharply to $9 billion, up from an estimated $5 billion in mid-2023, according to Semafor. The publication reported that the recent funding round drew support from existing investors aligned with Elon Musk's other companies, including Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) and SpaceX. Musk has repeatedly positioned Neuralink as a safeguard against artificial intelligence threats. In a May 2 post on X, he stated that Neuralink's brain chips must become widely available to ensure humans remain competitive as AI advances. He previously told CNN in 2023 that brain-computer interfaces could help reduce civilizational risk posed by artificial general global BCI market is projected to reach $6.52 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 18.15% from 2025 to 2030, according to Grand View Research. Competitors are also gaining traction. Synchron was the first to receive FDA approval to implant a BCI in U.S. patients, and Precision Neuroscience recently announced regulatory clearance for its minimally invasive device. As Neuralink expands its human trials, it faces pressure to keep pace with rivals and regulatory scrutiny. According to Reuters, FDA found quality control issues in the company's animal research lab, and U.S. Department of Agriculture's Inspector General have raised concerns over the pace and integrity of its experiments. With significant competition, regulatory hurdles, and ethical concerns in play, Neuralink's ability to deliver on Musk's ambitious timeline will remain under close watch by investors, scientists, and the public alike. Read Next: Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? . Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article 'Web-Surfing With Your Brain' by 2030? Neuralink's $9B Valuation Sparks Debate Over Musk's Telepathy Timeline originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
