Neuralink's N1 Chip Implanted in 12 Patients, 15,000 Hours of Usage

Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk, has announced that 12 individuals worldwide have received implants of its N1 chip. These patients have collectively used the device for over 15,000 hours, spanning 2,000 days. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the field of brain-computer interface technology, demonstrating the potential for such devices to improve the quality of life for individuals with severe disabilities.

The announcement comes as Neuralink continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with brain-computer interfaces. The company's goal is to develop technology that can seamlessly integrate with the human brain, allowing for direct communication between the brain and external devices. This could revolutionize the way we interact with technology, as well as provide new treatment options for neurological disorders.

The 12 individuals who have received the N1 chip implants are part of a clinical trial aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of the device. The trial has shown promising results, with patients reporting improved motor function and increased independence. The data collected from these trials will be crucial in advancing the development of brain-computer interface technology and bringing it closer to widespread use.

Neuralink's progress in this area is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and its dedication to improving the lives of those with severe disabilities. The successful implantation of the N1 chip in 12 individuals and the accumulation of over 15,000 hours of usage is a significant achievement that highlights the potential of brain-computer interface technology. As the company continues to refine its technology and expand its clinical trials, it is poised to make even greater strides in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

This update follows a previous announcement in June, when Neuralink's partner, the Barrow Neurological Institute, reported that seven patients with severe paralysis had received the company's implantable device. At that time, Neuralink emphasized the benefits for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who had lost their ability to speak. These patients were able to play video games, design 3D machine parts, control mechanical arms, and communicate after receiving the N1 chip.

Neuralink was established in 2016 with the primary objective of developing high-bandwidth, minimally invasive brain-computer interface devices. The company aims to achieve direct communication between the human brain and computers. In 2024, after addressing safety concerns raised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Neuralink began human trials for its brain implants. The FDA had previously rejected the company's application in 2022.

In June of this year, Neuralink announced the completion of a $650 million Series E funding round, which boosted the company's valuation to $9 billion, bringing it closer to the $10 billion mark. Additionally, in July, Neuralink announced plans to conduct a clinical trial in the United Kingdom to test how its chip can help severely paralyzed patients control digital and physical tools with their thoughts. The company is collaborating with University College London Hospital and Newcastle Hospitals on this research.

Earlier this month, Elon Musk stated that Neuralink aims to attempt restoring partial vision for visually impaired patients as early as 2026. Currently, Neuralink's "Telepathy" implant has been successfully implanted outside the United States for the first time, and Musk shared this latest development on the social media platform X.