Elon Musk's company, which is developing a brain interface – computer (BCI), is moving to the next phase of experiments: it is going to test whether patients will be able to move a robotic arm using the power of thought.
In a statement published on the social network X, the company's representatives said that they intend to create an experimental robotic prosthetic manipulator that could be controlled by the power of thought through an implant.
“This is an important first step towards returning not only digital, but also physical freedom”, – Neuralink noted.
Although this is an unprecedented step for Musk's company, it is not the first time such an attempt has been made.
Back in 2015, researchers from the California Institute of Technology implanted a so-called neural prosthetic device into the brain of Eric Sorto, who suffers from paraplegia, which allowed him to mentally control a robotic arm. At the same time, the man could shake hands, play «rock, scissors, paper» and even drink beer.