Elon Musk’s brain chip company, Neuralink, is expanding its use of implants that allow paralyzed patients to control digital devices with their thoughts. The company announced that it has implanted brain chips in 12 patients so far, totaling over 15,000 hours of use. Clinical trials are no longer limited to the US; they have also expanded to Canada, the UK, and the United Arab Emirates.

Neuralink chips are becoming increasingly widespread

In June, only seven patients were known to have received the chip. However, this number quickly rose to 12. Among these patients are those who have lost the use of their arms and hands due to spinal cord paralysis.

Thanks to the implant, these patients can move computer cursors and even play chess and video games with just their thoughts. In March, a patient named Noland Arbaugh, who received the chip, attracted considerable attention by demonstrating that he could play chess with his thoughts and play Civilization VI for long hours.

Neuralink’s initial human trials were not easy to obtain approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Initially rejected due to safety concerns such as the device’s lithium battery and the risk of brain aberrations, the company made the necessary changes and was able to receive approval in May 2023. The first patient’s surgery was performed in January 2024.

Shortly afterward, the patient reported being able to move a computer cursor solely with the power of thought. A second patient subsequently received a chip implanted, which demonstrated the ability to play Counter-Strike 2 using the power of thought. Neuralink performed its first overseas surgery in Canada in August. Similar trials are reportedly ongoing in the UK and the UAE.