Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface (BCI) company, is seeking volunteers worldwide for its research into mind-controlled technology.
The company has opened its patient registry to individuals with quadriplegia, aiming to promote its brain implant’s strengths.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Neuralink announced:
“The Neuralink Patient Registry is now open globally! If you have quadriplegia and are interested in exploring groundbreaking ways to control a computer using your thoughts, you can now sign up from anywhere in the world.”
This is a huge expansion for Neuralink, which previously limited its research to the United States. Now, anyone meeting the medical criteria—those with spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—can register for consideration.
Neuralink’s clinical trial, the PRIME Study, is testing whether its brain implant can help people with severe disabilities operate computers and digital devices purely through thought. So far, three patients have received the implant, which is designed to decode neural signals and translate them into actions on external devices.
The implant, known as the N1, contains over 1,000 electrodes embedded in flexible threads, thinner than a human hair. These electrodes record brain activity and transmit data wirelessly, eliminating the need for external cables. The device is inserted using the R1 Robot, an autonomous surgical system designed to implant the threads with precision, reducing potential risks.
Neuralink’s ultimate goal is not just assistive technology for people with disabilities but a future where humans and computers integrate seamlessly. Musk has previously suggested that Neuralink’s technology could enable “symbiosis with artificial intelligence,” pushing the limits of human cognition.
The device is placed in the part of the brain responsible for movement planning. Instead of using hands, users will simply think about a movement, and the implant will send signals to control a smartphone or computer. The technology builds on decades of research into neural implants, including earlier devices like the Utah Array, which has been used since 2004.
However, Neuralink’s approach differs greatly. While most brain implants detect signals from groups of neurons, the N1 targets individual neurons, potentially allowing for greater precision. If successful, this could be a major breakthrough in brain-computer communication.
Neuralink is not alone in this field. Other companies, such as Synchron and Precision Neuroscience, are also developing brain-computer interfaces. Synchron, for instance, has already implanted its device in human patients, but unlike Neuralink, it does not require invasive brain surgery.
With powerful technology comes ethical concerns. The idea of a device reading human thoughts raises questions about privacy, data security, and potential misuse. Who controls the data? Could such implants be hacked? As Neuralink moves forward, regulators and the scientific community will need to address these issues.
Neuralink’s PRIME Study will span six years, requiring participants to engage in regular testing and research sessions. The company has already shown early successes, with participants reportedly controlling digital devices and even playing online chess using the implant.
For those interested in joining the study, the next step is registration. While the technology is still in its early stages, it is becoming clearer that the limits between mind and machine are beginning to blur.
