Neuralink Gets FDA Approval for Human Brain-Computer Interface Trials

• Neuralink, a brain-computer interface (BCI) startup founded by Elon Musk, has reportedly received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct “in-human” trials of its surgically implanted device.
• The device is designed to help with certain medical and mobility issues, as well as provide quality-of-life services for disabled persons. Elon Musk also plans to develop the device for use by the general public.
• Until now, Neuralink has only been able to conduct testing on laboratory animals such as monkeys and pigs. The company recently faced a federal probe over alleged animal mistreatment but was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Neuralink Gets FDA Approval for In-human Trials

The brain-computer interface (BCI) startup Neuralink has reportedly received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct some form of “in-human” trials for its surgically implanted device. The device is designed to be surgically implanted in order to help with certain medical and mobility issues, as well as provide quality-of-life services for disabled persons. It could eventually be marketed for general use by the public.

Previous Testing Only Conducted on Animals

Until now, Neuralink had only been allowed to conduct testing on laboratory animals such as monkeys and pigs. The company faced a federal probe over alleged animal mistreatment; however, it was cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation into the matter concluded quietly.

Possible Applications and Use Cases

With human testing on the table, Elon Musk’s vision for hybrids of humans and artificial intelligence (AI) comes one step closer. It may now be time for developers and entrepreneurs to start considering the applications and use cases of a recreational, surgically implanted BCI that would allow people to operate smartphones faster with their thoughts or protect them from being replaced by machines in their profession or hobby tasks.

Investigations Still Ongoing

A separate investigation into allegations that contaminated devices were transported remains ongoing at this time.

Conclusion

Overall, news of FDA approval for human trials marks an important milestone towards realizing Elon Musk’s dream of furthering humanity through cybernetics technology via BCIs like Neuralink’s implantable device – although there are still questions left unanswered regarding safety concerns related to its usage in humans in both short term and long term settings.