Elon Musk’s Neuralink plans to allow a person to control a robotic arm with just their thoughts

A Neuralinka brain implant company Elon Muskannounced this Tuesday (26) the launch of a new study to test its technology in a new application: allowing a person to control a robotic arm with just their thoughts.

“We are excited to announce the approval and initiation of a new feasibility study to expand brain-computer interface (BCI) control using the implant N1 in an experimental assistive robotic arm”, stated Neuralink in a post on its official X account.

How the brain-computer interface (BCI) works

Brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs, allow a person to control external devices directly with signals from the brain. The technology works by interpreting and decoding movement signals generated by neurons. Neuralink’s BCI device, called the N1, is the size of a coin and is implanted in the brain by a specialized robot. The company is currently evaluating the safety of the device and its effectiveness for controlling computers in people with paralysis.

Elon Musk has already declared that in the future patients who use the Neuralink chip will be able to beat pro players. Neuralink has also shown videos of the second Neuralink patient playing Counter-Strike 2 on your notebook using only your mind.

History of advances in the control of robotic prostheses

Using BCIs to control external devices is nothing new. In 2008, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh showed that monkeys could use brain signals to control robotic arms and perform simple tasks. Years later, in 2012, a study published in the journal Nature reported that two paralyzed patients were able to guide robotic arms to reach objects, including pouring themselves coffee for the first time in 14 years.

Despite progress, the systems used in these studies still had limitations, such as the need for cables to decode neural signals. Neuralink seeks to overcome these barriers with its wireless solution, promising greater practicality and efficiency for users.

New phase: robotic arm control

Neuralink’s next step is to test the control of robotic arms through its technology. According to the company, the new study will allow the participation of individuals who are already part of the PRIME Studyanother project in progress. However, further details about the new experiment have not yet been released on the Neuralink website or the official clinical studies repository (clinicaltrials.gov).

In addition to serving people with motor problems, Neuralink is already projecting a future in which even healthy people will be able to use these chips to achieve specific skills, such as improving their gaming skills.