Elon Musk's brain chip company Neuralink to test implants in UK
Neuralink is partnering with University College London Hospitals Trust and Newcastle Hospitals for the project, it said today.
Those living with paralysis due to conditions such as spinal cord injuries and a nervous system disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis qualify for the study, the company revealed in a post on X.
The firm began human trials on its brain implant last year after resolving safety concerns flagged by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Five patients around the world with severe paralysis are using its device, according to Neuralink.
They include a woman who has been paralysed for 20 years and has now regained the ability to use a computer.
Audrey Crews, from Louisiana, revealed on X last month how she was now able to write her name on a computer screen thanks to Neuralink's implant.
'I tried writing my name for the first time in 20 years. I'm working on it,' Ms Crews posted during her first signature attempt since 2005.
She was severely injured in a car accident aged 16, damaging two vertebrae in her neck and leaving her with no feeling in her arms and legs.
Mr Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, co-founded Neuralink in 2016 with a group of neuroscience, engineering, and robotics experts.
Their goal was to merge human intelligence with artificial intelligence, treat brain disorders and potentially enhance human capabilities.
The billionaire said in June that the chip technology had made 'an incredible amount of progress'.
But he emphasised the company's cautious approach, adding: 'The reason we're not moving faster than we are is because we're taking great care with each individual to make sure we never miss - and, so far, we haven't.'
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