Neuralink Plans October Trial for Speech Impairment Patients

Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-implant company, is preparing to launch a human trial in October, according to Reuters. This trial aims to enable individuals with speech impairments to translate their thoughts into text. Dongjin “D.J.” Seo, Neuralink's president, explained that the study is specifically for individuals who have lost the ability to speak. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded the device a Breakthrough Device designation for its potential in speech restoration. Neuralink initiated human trials in 2024, following the resolution of previous safety concerns raised by the FDA. As of last month, the company announced that twelve individuals have received its implant. The device is intended for use in conditions such as spinal cord injury, and its initial patient has already used the implant to play video games and navigate the internet.