Neuralink, the neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk, has recently implanted its experimental N1 brain-computer interface (BCI) in a second patient. This development comes after the company’s first human trial, which began in September 2023 with a 30-year-old quadriplegic volunteer named Noland Arbaugh.
Musk has expressed optimism about the second implantation, stating on Lex Friedman’s podcast, “I don’t want to jinx it, but it seems to have gone extremely well with the second implant.” He added, “There’s a lot of signal, a lot of electrodes. It’s working very well.” However, the reality of Neuralink’s progress appears to be more complex, with several challenges emerging since the first human trial.
In the case of Noland Arbaugh, the first recipient of the Neuralink implant, initial results were promising. Arbaugh demonstrated the ability to play video games and chess using only his thoughts, showcasing the potential of the technology dubbed “The Link.” However, subsequent issues have raised concerns about the device’s reliability and safety.
One significant problem is the malfunction of a large number of electrodes. Out of the 1,024 electrodes implanted in Arbaugh’s motor cortex, only about 400 are currently transmitting signals. While this represents a slight improvement over the initial 80-85% malfunction rate, it still indicates substantial technical hurdles.
More alarmingly, it has been reported that 870 electrodes have detached from Arbaugh’s brain, and the implant has shifted from its original position within his skull. This unexpected outcome has led to concerns about the long-term stability and safety of the device.
Neuralink’s response to these complications has been to develop a new “recording algorithm” to enhance the user interface, rather than removing the implant. The company’s reluctance to perform additional surgery on Arbaugh suggests potential risks associated with the removal process.
Beyond the technical challenges, Neuralink has faced criticism regarding its animal testing practices. Reports have surfaced about a federal inquiry into the company following allegations that approximately 1,500 animals were killed during testing procedures. These accusations have raised ethical concerns about the company’s research methods.
As Neuralink continues its human trials and technological development, it faces the dual challenges of improving the reliability and safety of its brain-computer interface while addressing ethical concerns surrounding its research practices.
The coming months and years will be crucial in determining whether Neuralink can overcome these obstacles and realize the potential of its brain-computer interface technology.
