FDA Approves Neuralink’s Study Merging Minds with Machines

by

Elon Musk’s Neuralink is working on a mind-controlled robotic arm as it ramps up production of its brain computer interfaces.

Neuralink just announced it secured approval from the FDA for its CONVOY study, which seeks to expand the N1 brain implant’s functionality into robotics. On the X social media platform, Neuralink called the development “an important first step towards restoring not only digital freedom, but also physical freedom.”

Musk has hinted at much larger ambitions for Neuralinks neurotechnology, suggesting the BCIs could someday integrate with Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot. During a July 2024 Neuralink update, he said patients could have robotic arms or legs connected to Neuralink by the brain.

“Let’s say somebody has lost their arms or legs,” he said. “We could actually attach an Optimus arm or Optimus legs to a Neuralink implant so that the motor commands from your brain that would go to your biological arms now go to your robot arms or legs and you’d basically have cybernetic superpowers.”

Tesla is busy developing the third iteration of its AI-powered humanoid robot. The production-ready revision will reportedly feature hands with 22 degrees of freedom (DoF), which Musk has said is enough dexterity to perform almost any task a human can.

Last August, Neuralink announced it had completed its second successful transplant. The patient, a quadriplegic named Alex, used the BCI to control digital devices with his mind. He moved a computer cursor, played video games, and even designed 3D CAD objects using Autodesk 360 Fusion.

Musk has ambitious goals for Neuralink, aiming for hundreds of implants over the next few years and millions in a decade. Two people have received the implants as part of clinical trials.

Neuralink is also expanding into Canada. The company is seeking six Canadian patients for testing as part of its CAN-PRIME Study. The trial will be conducted at Toronto Western Hospital, which is part of the University Health Network (UHN).

According to Business Insider, Neuralink is actively scaling up the production of its devices, aiming to transition from research and development to broader clinical use. A recent job posting seeks individuals to “boost production” of the brain chips.

Tesla plans to manufacture a limited number of Tesla Bots in 2025 for internal use at the EV automaker’s Gigafactory. Commercialization is planned for 2026, and Musk predicts the humanoid will be Tesla’s best-selling product when it’s widely available.