Neuralink brain implant user controls robotic arm, writes ‘Convoy’ in new video
Neuralink’s N1 chip eliminates the need for wires or any physical movement, enabling quadriplegic individuals to operate gadgets using their minds.
Elon Musk’s Neuralink suggests a human patient may have successfully used its brain chip to control a robotic arm. A video posted by the neurotechnology firm shows a robotic arm writing ‘Convoy’ on a whiteboard, referencing the company’s study on brain-controlled assistive robotics.
The demonstration highlights progress in Neuralink’s N1 chip, designed to restore mobility and communication for individuals with disabilities. While details remain limited, the clip hints at potential breakthroughs in brain-machine interface technology.
That is awesome, I'm going to go down that rabbit hole now. Right after I finish the solar minimum thing.
Brain-powered robotics
The new 30-second clip reveals little, including the operator’s identity. Neuralink’s X post shares the video along with a heart, robot arm, and pen emojis, hinting at brain-controlled robotic advancements. The demonstration is part of its CONVOY feasibility exercise announced in November, which includes participants in its ongoing PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) study.
Some observers noted the significance of Neuralink’s demonstration, suggesting the patient was controlling the robotic arm using only their mind, without a joystick or muscle sensor. Musk acknowledged the interpretation as accurate, according to a report by PCMag.
A tiny, aesthetically undetectable brain-computer interface (BCI) implant is inserted into the area of the brain responsible for movement planning as part of Neuralink’s PRIME project.