Brain-Computer Interface To Be A Reality Soon? Elon Musk's Neuralink Gets US FDA Nod For First In-Human Clinical Study

Tech billionaire Elon Musk-owned Neuralink has secured approval from United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for first in-human clinical trial of its brain-computer interface.

"We are excited to share that we have received the FDA’s approval to launch our first-in-human clinical study! This is the result of incredible work by the Neuralink team in close collaboration with the FDA and represents an important first step that will one day allow our technology to help many people," Neuralink said in a tweet on Friday (26 May).

While the recruitment for the clinical trial has not yet begun, Neuralink aims to facilitate direct brain-computer communication.

Elon Musk had previously explained that the implantable Neuralink device would enable individuals to interact with computers using their minds. 

The company has made significant progress, as demonstrated by implantation tests conducted on monkeys, where the animals were able to play video games and manipulate cursors through the Neuralink interface, reports Livemint.

The potential applications of Neuralink's brain-computer interface technology are vast.

Musk envisions the possibility of restoring lost capabilities, such as vision and mobility, in humans who have experienced impairments. 

In the long run, the company aims to extend the technology beyond medical applications, with Musk expressing concerns about the potential dominance of artificial intelligence and aiming to enhance human intellectual capabilities through brain-machine interfaces.