Neuralink Breakthrough: ALS Patient Achieves Independent Eating and Drinking via Implanted N1 Chip and Robotic Arm

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(Source: Cailianshe)

"STAR Market Daily" October 12th News (Editor Song Ziqiao)On October 11 local time, Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface company, showcased footage of Nick Wray, a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), using a brain-computer interface to control a robotic arm for eating. Wray has completed the brain implantation of the N1 chip.

A few days ago, Nick Wray’s personal social media account showcased him operating a robotic arm. In the video, Wray controlled the robotic arm to perform a seamless sequence of actions—“grasping a cup, bringing a straw to his mouth, and taking a sip”—using only his thoughts. He also independently completed various daily tasks, such as picking up a cup, putting on a hat, microwaving food, and opening the refrigerator. “For the first time in years, I put on my own hat! I heated up chicken nuggets in the microwave and ate by myself! I learned how to open the refrigerator and how to remove and replace jar lids! I even tried slowly maneuvering my wheelchair!” Wray exclaimed excitedly.

Wray also revealed more details of daily operations—“I still hold the (current) new record: moving the most cylinders on a table within 5 minutes (39), and flipping the most pegs in a standard dexterity test (commonly used for stroke patients) within 5 minutes.”

It is reported that,This is part of Neuralink’s CONVOY study, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Wray is the eighth patient to undergo the brain-computer interface implantation surgery.CONVOY is an early-stage feasibility clinical study designed to explore the control of assistive devices through brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. Focusing on the application of BCI technology in patients with neurodegenerative diseases, it aims to help individuals with limited limb function regain independent living capabilities via implanted devices, enabling the brain’s “intentions” to directly control machines, thereby integrating brain-computer interfaces withRobotTechnology (Robotic Arm) Integration. The core technology of this system lies in the microelectrodes implanted in the brain, which can precisely capture neural signals and convert them into control commands for the robotic arm through wireless data transmission, achieving real-time "thought-to-action" conversion.

The above demonstration brings hope to patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.New HopeNeuralink announced last month that 12 individuals worldwide had undergone implantation trials of its N1 brain-computer interface chip. These patients have collectively used the device for 2,000 days, accumulating over 15,000 hours of usage. In addition to brain-computer interfaces for digital control, Neuralink is also exploring technologies to restore vision, decode speech directly from brain activity, and treat neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

It is reported that the implantable chip, named N1, is approximately the size of a 10-pence coin and contains 128 ultra-fine wires thinner than human hair, connected to roughly 1,000 electrodes that make direct contact with the brain’s surface. These electrodes detect and transmit neural activity, converting brain signals into precise digital commands, such as controlling cursor movement, typing text, or operating external devices.

Elon Musk has previously stated that he hopes brain-computer interface technology will eventually expand to scenarios such as “controlling the humanoid robot Optimus.” However, issues such as long-term stability and safety (including the biocompatibility of implanted devices and the reliability of data transmission) still need to be resolved. It will take another 5–10 years before large-scale commercial application becomes a reality.