Neuralink Opens Global Registry for Quadriplegia Patients

Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk, has opened its patient registry to applicants worldwide, marking a significant step in bringing its mind-controlled technology to more people with severe disabilities. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Neuralink announced that applications were open to those with quadriplegia, regardless of location. The company stated, “If you have quadriplegia and are interested in exploring groundbreaking ways to control a computer using your thoughts, you can now sign up from anywhere in the world.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed Neuralink to perform human testing in September 2023, but thus far, only three people have been approved by Neuralink for a brain-computer implant. The questionnaire on the Neuralink website specifies that candidates must be at least 18 years old and have one of the following conditions: quadriplegia, paraplegia, visual impairment or blindness, or a speech impairment that affects the ability to speak or be understood. Candidates are also asked about known allergies to metal or contrast dye, fluency in English, medical insurance, and biological sex. Individuals with implanted devices such as a pacemaker or deep brain stimulator, a history of seizures, requiring MRIs for an ongoing medical condition, or receiving transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment are not eligible.

Test subjects would be compensated for study-related costs like travel expenses. Launched by Musk in 2016, Neuralink was founded to develop brain-computer interface technology to address neurological disorders and, in the long term, to create a direct interface between humans and artificial intelligence. During Tesla's March all-hands meeting, Musk hinted at a future in which the line between human and machine may blur even further. “Long term, we will also have enhancement of humans—optionally, if somebody wants to have cybernetic enhancements with Neuralink. If you want to go cybernetic and have superintelligence and see in different wavelengths, we could absolutely provide superhuman abilities via Neuralink in the future,” Musk, who is CEO of the company, said. “One thing is for sure: the future is going to be very interesting.”

In May 2024, Musk announced on X that Neuralink was seeking a second participant for its brain-computer interface human trials. He described the technology as a "telepathy cybernetic brain implant that allows you to control your phone and computer just by thinking.” Neuralink called 2024 “A Year of Telepathy” and introduced three study participants: two unnamed people and Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic man from Arizona who had become the first human test subject of Neuralink’s brain-computer interface in January 2024. While brain-computer interface technology has improved the ability of people with disabilities to communicate and interact with the world, it has not been without controversy.

Neuralink's expansion of its human trials to a global scale represents a significant milestone in the development of brain-computer interface technology. By opening its patient registry to applicants worldwide, Neuralink aims to provide more people with severe disabilities the opportunity to benefit from its groundbreaking technology. The company's focus on addressing neurological disorders and enhancing human capabilities aligns with its long-term vision of creating a direct interface between humans and artificial intelligence. However, the controversy surrounding Neuralink's animal testing and the ethical implications of brain-computer interface technology remain important considerations as the company continues to advance its research and development efforts.