Neuralink is now ready to begin testing the brain-computer interface implant in humans. The PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) study is currently looking for paralyzed human subjects who are willing to undergo a brain implant test to restore the ability to walk and it is expected to last up to six years. This human clinical trial began after Neuralink received FDA approval last May.
In this study, the level of safety of the N1 brain implant and the robot that installs the implant (R1) will be tested on humans. Neuralink hopes that with the N1 a paralyzed limb can regain control by just thinking. In the early stage N1 which operates wirelessly will be used to control the cursor on the computer screen using only the mind.
People who are eligible to apply to test the N1 brain implant are those who are paralyzed due to spinal cord injury and ALS patients.
Restoring the ability to walk using implants has been successfully done by EPFL in Switzerland last year. Meanwhile, a brain implant by USC Berkeley allows a woman who suffered a stroke to speak after 18 years through a computer.
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