Musk claims first Neuralink patient can control mouse with mind

Elon Musk reveals success as Neuralink’s first human recipient controls computer mouse with thoughts amid FDA approval and scrutiny over animal testing

Elon Musk has disclosed that the first human recipient of a brain chip from Neuralink is capable of controlling a computer mouse solely through their thoughts. Despite facing criticism for animal testing, the company received FDA approval for human transplants last year. 

“Progress is good, and the patient seems to have made a full recovery, with no ill effects that we are aware of,” Musk said. “Patient is able to move a mouse around the screen by just thinking.” 

“We’re trying to get as many button presses as possible from thinking, so that’s what we’re currently working on,” he continued. 

What we know about Neuralink’s first human patient 

In a recent post on social media platform X, Musk disclosed that Neuralink conducted its inaugural human transplant surgery on Jan. 28. Details about the first human recipient remain scarce, with Musk’s X posts being the primary source of information. Neuralink began seeking human volunteers last year, specifically targeting individuals over 18 residing in the U.S. with disabilities. 

“The first @Neuralink product is called Telepathy,” Musk posted on X last month, following his announcement of the company’s initial human recipient.

Neuralink chip “enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking. Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal,” he said.  

Despite the successful transplant for Neuralink’s first human patient last month, the company has faced criticism for its controversial animal testing practices. Musk has denied conducting trials on healthy monkeys, yet a former Neuralink employee detailed the harsh treatment of monkeys during experiments in a Wired report last year. Some monkeys experienced health issues from the transplants, leading to euthanization. Additionally, Neuralink was fined by the U.S. Department of Transportation for breaching hazardous materials transport regulations. Despite the FDA initially rejecting Neuralink’s human testing application, approval for human transplants was granted last year.