Neuralink CEO Elon Musk announced that the first human implantation of the Blindsight visual device is expected to take place within the next 12 months. He shared this update in an interview with Fox News.
According to Musk, the Blindsight technology is being developed to assist individuals with visual impairments. In September 2024, he stated that the implant could potentially restore vision even to those who have been blind since birth. He also claimed that, in the future, the device could allow users to see not only in the visible spectrum but also in infrared and ultraviolet. Initially, he noted, the image quality would resemble graphics from classic Atari gaming consoles.
Beyond vision restoration, Neuralink is also working on technologies aimed at helping people with spinal cord injuries. Musk expressed hope that future implants could restore mobility to paralyzed patients.
In January 2024, Neuralink successfully implanted its first neural device in a human — 29-year-old Noland Arbaugh, who was completely paralyzed following a spinal cord injury. The implant, placed in the motor cortex of his brain, allows brain signals to be transmitted wirelessly to a computer. As a result, Arbaugh can control the computer using only his thoughts.
Later, Arbaugh revealed that despite some electrodes detaching from the brain, the device’s performance continues to improve. He expressed optimism that future participants in the trials might achieve even more impressive outcomes.
Musk previously stated that Neuralink plans to implant the device in 20 to 30 new participants in 2025.
