Neuralink, the brain chip company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct its first human tests.
The firm aims to connect brains with computers through its microchips, with the goal of treating paralysis, blindness and assisting disabled individuals using technology
While Neuralink has not yet begun recruiting participants, this recent approval marks a significant milestone, although The FDA has yet to comment on the matter after Neuralink’s previous bid for FDA approval was reportedly rejected due to safety concerns.
By interpreting brain signals and relaying information via Bluetooth, Neuralink’s microchips have shown promise in tests conducted on monkeys.
Elon Musk has previously suggested that this technology could address concerns about human displacement by artificial intelligence.
Experts caution that extensive testing is necessary to address technical and ethical challenges before such brain implants can become widely available.
Neuralink have faced various delays in beginning to implement their technology, originally pledging to have started in 2020 and again in 2022.
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