SpaceX founder Elon Musk has revealed that Neuralink aims to place its neural chip in a human within six months. The implant is designed to enable hands-free control of phones and computers through brain activity.
“We think we might be able to place the first implant in about six months,” Musk stated, noting that the team will proceed with caution. He added that prior studies involving animal testing included the safeguards now being applied to prospective human trials.
“We want to proceed with extreme care and be confident the device works reliably before it is used in a person,” the company’s founder emphasized. Musk also mentioned that Neuralink has filed most of the required paperwork to obtain regulatory approval.
According to a Neuralink spokesperson cited by Bloomberg, ongoing talks with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have progressed well enough for a plan to begin human trials within the next six months. This update reflects a continued dialogue aimed at ensuring safety and compliance.
Industry experts interviewed by Bloomberg note that Neuralink’s approach involves a more invasive brain procedure than many competitors, as a portion of the skull would be removed and wires would be implanted into brain tissue. Neuralink has conducted extensive primate testing to demonstrate long-term safety and reliable device operation within neural tissue.
What can the new chip do?
During a company presentation, the head of Neuralink showed a video of a macaque performing actions driven by brain signals. In the demo, the monkey appeared to guide a cursor on a screen and communicate by mental commands, such as requesting a reward by thinking about it. While the device allows cursor control, the advertised capability extends beyond simple input, illustrating how neural signals can translate into digital actions.
“The cursor moves with thought,” Musk explained, adding that the device is designed to be small enough to go largely unnoticed in everyday life. He also joked that a Neuralink implant could be placed without the recipient being immediately aware of it.
Neuralink’s Vice President of Implants, DJ Seo, stated that the chip will be wireless and rechargeable. Neuralink has begun production activities in Austin, Texas, and is preparing a testing clinic where a robotic surgeon would perform the implantations. Demonstrations of robotic hardware were also shown at the event.
Usage expectations
According to Musk, the primary goal of the device is to assist people affected by strokes and related neurological conditions. By placing a chip in the brain, individuals may translate thoughts into computer-based communication, enabling new ways to interact with assistive technology.
Researchers at Neuralink have worked on this technology for several years. In a 2021 demonstration, a monkey with two implants engaged in interactive tasks that illustrated how brain signals can be converted into on-screen actions. The company has repeatedly highlighted its goal of turning neural activity into practical commands that can control devices.
Musk also spoke about two additional products under development. One aims to restore movement for people with paralysis, while another focuses on improving or restoring vision. He expressed optimism about the potential to fully restore motor function in individuals with spinal cord injuries through advanced neural interfaces.
In a prior interview, Musk discussed a future vision in which ideas could be shared remotely without spoken language, highlighting the broader implications of neural technology for human communication.
The Neuralink initiative, launched in July 2016, brings together engineers, neuroscientists, and robotics experts to advance neural interfaces and develop automated systems capable of implanting an extensive array of electrodes. The company plans to first pursue neural interfaces for people with brain pathologies and serious injuries, and in a subsequent phase, explore chips that could enable deeper integration between the human brain and artificial intelligence.