What to know about Elon Musk's Neuralink, which put an implant into a human brain?
An important milestone has been reached with the implementation of human patient with
Neuralink brain-computer interface (BCI) device, created by the company Neuralink which is
known to be founded by Elon Musk, as part of its PRIME clinical study. The beneficiary was
a quadriplegic, but he feels dramatical progress and the early outcomes show that the implant
is discovering the neural activity properly. This finding sheds light on the task of Neuralink as
the company aims to allow severely impaired people to use digital tools only with their
thoughts(Chappell, 2024).
Operational Principles
The N1 implant consists of 1,024 electrodes on 64 flexible threads each of less than the
thickness of a single human hair. These threads will be then minutely placed in the motor
cortex by using a surgical robot, industrial progress in the use of a surgical robot will allow
minimizing tissue damages compared to previous technologies (DDN editorial team, 2025).
Functionality
The N1 consists of a rechargeable, wireless battery with a lifespan lasting over 10 hours and
connects to external electronics via the Neuralink app that lets users use thought to move
cursors or type. This functionality can provide a high level of independence to individuals
with diseases or disorders like spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The first observation of a patient exhibiting the capability of manipulating a computer mouse
using cerebral control is a proof-of-concept that physical independence can be regained to
some degree through intra-cortical connectivity- and thus presenting clinical efficacy.
Broader Repercussions
1. Environmental application: It would be extended so that the technology is able to
navigate and manipulate other devices Externally, the technology would allow a system
where barrier of movement, which is physical impairment, is reduced or eradicated through
an intervention into the cortex.
2. Communication Paradigm: Elon Musk anticipates the future versions of the
communication process that can be performed via neural communication permeating the
customary speed of typing and enabling people to express their ideas almost instantly.
Ethical Considerations
1. Early versions of Neuralink experiments employed the use of terminally ill animals to
minimise the chances of losing healthy animals. There is an argument on whether harm
sustained during these procedures is a possibility.
2. Privacy and Consent The developments in mind-machine interface have been associated
with mind multifaceted concerns on mental agency including protection of the so-called
neurorights (Brooks, 2025)
.
Contextual Comparison
Other companies have developed BCIs that allow paralysed subjects to perform
communication or control of robotic limbs through thought, but the need to use ultra-thin
threads and the utilisation of robot surgery in implantation is a methodological innovation
that reduces risk associated with the procedure and increases the fidelity of neural signals
(Neuralink, n.d.) Neuralink. (n.d.). Updates | Neuralink. Neuralink. https://neuralink.com/updates/.
Reference:
Chappell, B. (2024, January 30). What to know about Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which put an
implant into a human brain. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/01/30/1227850900/elon-musk-
neuralink-implant-clinical-trial
DDN editorial team. (2025, August 8). Weekly Rundown: Neuralink launches first UK trial of
brain chip. Drug Discovery News. https://www.drugdiscoverynews.com/weekly-rundown-
neuralink-launches-16556
Brooks, H. (2025, July 21). Neuralink’s accelerated clinical progress and its implications for
the Brain-Computer Interface market. Ainvest. https://www.ainvest.com/news/neuralink-
accelerated-clinical-progress-implications-brain-computer-interface-market-2507/
Neuralink. (n.d.). Updates | Neuralink. Neuralink. https://neuralink.com/updates/
