Written by: Sahasra Janagama

Neuralink was a company founded by Elon Musk and made its debut in 2016 as a device that will revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders. The Tesla CEO wanted to create a brain-machine interface (BMI) that aids people with damage in the brain and spinal cord. The company’s future goal is to incorporate AI into the functions of the brain. Let’s dive into the different aspects of Neuralink, from how it is structured to the outlook for the future. 

What is Neuralink?

Neuralink’s current version of the device is called the N1 Implant and is a coin-sized BMI composed of several parts; the two major components are threads made of electrodes, which record the activity between individual neurons, and the Neuralink chip that collects the data from the threads. The chip, called “Link”, then transmits the data to another device via Bluetooth to translate the recorded activity. This translation is vital to people who have a damaged connection between the brain and the spinal cord. For example, a patient who is in paralysis has tried to signal from the brain to the spinal cord to a specific muscle. However, a patient’s signal from the brain doesn’t reach the muscle due to the pathway being damaged. This is where devices like Neuralink become significant because the BMI allows the brain signal to push through to the muscle, and the patient can perform the task. Therefore, the translation of the data can be used to transmit back to the brain, which means a person can perform a whole task just by thought. So, the chip and threads are within a biocompatible enclosure (Fiani, 2021).

What’s more, is that the device can be inserted into a human by another machine designed by the Neuralink company. This device has been proven to be more efficient and precise than a human insertion due to the size of the threads. (Neuralink, n.d.)

Figure 1

N1 Implant broken down and labeled by different parts.

Source: Neuralink 

Figure 2 

An Infographic that explains how the N1 Implant works between the device and the computer. 

Source: Neuralink

Journey to PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface)

In 2023, the FDA approved a clinical trial called PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface), which allowed the N1 Implants to be interested in humans. However, their journey to reach this point took many studies with different animals. For example, monkeys were the first to receive the implant, and they were able to use their mind to control the cursor on the computer. Furthermore, they did another study on Macaques who were also able to control the computer and even able to text. Even though the N1 Implant is working, the side effects were concerning as the animals were reported to have seizures and even paralysis. Nevertheless, the FDA approved PRIME and limited the people who can participate in a study to patients with quadriplegia (paralyzed from the shoulders down). (Neuralink, n.d.)

How does it work?

Before inserting the BMI, they identify where the brain is responsive when a patient moves a finger. The neural activity shows a spike in the motor cortex, the part of the brain that controls voluntary movement, and this helps narrow down to a specific area of the brain for insertion. Once the targeted area is set, the Surgical Robot will place the N1 Implant and ensure the threads are not damaging any part of the cerebral cortex. After the BMI is implanted, again the patient moves a finger, and this time, the electrical activity will be recorded in the device and translated into the app and can be used on the computer. (Neuralink, n.d.)

First Person to Experience  

Noland Arbaugh was the first person to have the Neuralink implanted into his brain in January of 2024. Noland is also quadriplegic which means all four limbs are paralyzed, and he explained that after living in paralysis for a few years he felt the need to gain independence in his life again which made him take a step towards Neuralink. After extensive testing of his medical history, he finally received the implant and expressed his feelings of not even feeling like a device was inside his brain. He also elaborated on how his life became a lot better once he had Neuralink because he gained his independence as he could do almost all tasks using his mind. The research team made it so that Noland could use his brain as a cursor for his laptop, and this allowed him to do various tasks like texting family members, searching for videos, and even playing games like chess. What’s more, as of January 2025, Musk has announced three people have received a brain implant from Neuralink (Chappell, 2024). 

Figure 3

Noland Arbaugh is playing chess by using his mind as a cursor to move the pieces on the board. 

Source: BBC

Conclusion

So in conclusion, Neuralink is taking a step towards a new world where people will be able to live a more independent life through the advancements in technology. The journey from the beginning to the future outlook is to make a device that can improve the lives of patients with neurological diseases. Lastly, Musk and his team are working for a brighter future through the use of devices like the N1 Implant that can not only increase the number of possibilities for the future of research but also create a new life for patients who may suffer from diseases. 

References and Sources

Capitol Technology University. (2024, February 9). Neuralink’s Brain Chip: How It Works and What It Means. Capitol Technology University. Retrieved February, 2025, from https://www.captechu.edu/blog/neuralinks-brain-chip-how-it-works-and-what-it-means

Chappell, B. (2024, January 30). Elon Musk’s Neuralink has put in its first human brain implant. NPR. Retrieved February, 2025, from https://www.npr.org/2024/01/30/1227850900/elon-musk-neuralink-implant-clinical-trial

Fiani, B. (2021, March 30). An Examination of Prospective Uses and Future Directions of Neuralink: The Brain-Machine Interface. PubMed Central. Retrieved February, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8083990/

Mullin, E. (2024, May 22). Neuralink’s First User Is ‘Constantly Multitasking’ With His Brain Implant. WIRED. Retrieved February, 2025, from https://www.wired.com/story/neuralink-first-patient-interview-noland-arbaugh-elon-musk/

Neuralink. (n.d.). Neuralink. Neuralink. https://neuralink.com/