On November 26, Neuralink, a brain-computer interface company owned by Musk, announced that they have launched a new feasibility test aimed at allowing paralyzed patients to control robotic arms through brain-computer interface technology. The trial, dubbed "Convoy," marks a key step toward Neuralink's ambitious goal of translating brain signals directly into physical action.
Neuralink has developed implantable brain-computer interface devices that read brain signals and convert them into instructions to control external devices. In this trial, the investigators will explore how N1 implants can be used to help paralyzed patients manipulate robotic arms by mind.
"This is an important step in restoring not only digital freedom, but also physical freedom," Neuralink said in a post published on the social media platform X.
Neuralink's brain-computer interface devices, which allow patients to control computer cursors, iPads, and similar digital tools, have been successfully implanted in at least two patients. The robotic arm control trial launched this time will further expand the application scope of this technology, which is expected to bring new hope to paralyzed patients.
IT Home noted that in July this year, Musk had talked about using Neuralink's N1 implant to control a robotic arm or leg through the brain, Musk said: "Let's say someone loses an arm or leg, we can connect the Optimus arm or Optimus leg to the Neuralink implant, so that the movement instructions issued by the brain that originally controlled the biological arm can now control the robotic arm or leg, and you will have superpowers."