Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk, has announced the creation of a pioneering Blindsight implant aimed at restoring vision for individuals who have lost both eyes. This experimental device has recently received a “breakthrough device” designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Musk shared the update on X, thanking the FDA and emphasizing that the implant could allow those without optic nerves to regain sight. He also mentioned that people who have been blind since birth could potentially see again, provided their visual cortex is intact. Initially, the vision produced by the implant will be of low resolution, similar to early video game graphics, but Musk expects that future enhancements could lead to better-than-natural vision, including capabilities in infrared and ultraviolet light.
Although human trials for the Blindsight implant have yet to begin, Neuralink is concurrently testing another device designed to help quadriplegic patients control digital devices using their thoughts. This technology features a chip that processes and transmits neural signals to various devices.
Since its founding in 2016, Neuralink has made significant progress in neuroscience and robotics, including a previous chip that restored full body control to individuals with paralysis. So far, two patients have successfully received the brain-chip implant, following FDA approval. The timeline for human trials of the Blindsight implant has not yet been established.
