Neuralink has reached a major milestone in its quest to merge the human brain with technology, announcing today that 21 “Neuralnauts” are now enrolled in clinical trials worldwide. This expansion comes as the company moves from early experiments toward restoring independence for people with paralysis and speech impairments.
The company’s first product, Telepathy, allows individuals with quadriplegia to control computers, smartphones, and even robotic limbs using only their thoughts. Unlike voice commands or eye-tracking, the implant records neural activity directly from the brain’s motor cortex, translating those signals into digital commands.
One of the most significant breakthroughs highlighted by the team is the speed of communication. Able-bodied people typically use a mouse at a rate of 8 to 10 bits per second (BPS). Neuralink revealed that several participants have already exceeded this range. One participant, Nick, achieved over 10 BPS within his first week, using his “telepathic” cursor to feed himself and gesture with a robotic arm.
The technology is also being used to restore a voice to those with ALS. By mapping “imagined” finger movements to a digital keyboard, participants have reached typing speeds of 40 words per minute. Neuralink aims to push this to a conversational speed of 140 words per minute through its new VOICE clinical trial.
For the participants, the impact goes beyond technical metrics. Noland, the first human recipient, has used his independence to return to school to pursue a degree in neuroscience.
Sebastian, a 23-year-old medical student, now uses his Neuralink for up to 17 hours a day to study for exams and annotate research papers. Similarly, Audrey, the first female participant, has mastered the device to create intricate digital art, aiming to open a physical gallery to showcase her work.
Elon Musk provided a glimpse into the near future, announcing that a next-generation “cybernetic augment” with three times the capability will be ready later this year.
Perhaps most ambitiously, Musk confirmed that Neuralink is ready to begin human trials for Blindsight, pending regulatory approval. This device aims to restore vision by stimulating the visual cortex directly. While the initial vision will be “low resolution” (comparable to early Atari graphics), the goal is to eventually surpass natural human vision.
To support this growth, Neuralink is shifting toward high-volume production and a more automated surgical process in 2026. This includes a new technique that inserts implant threads directly through the protective dura mater of the brain, making the surgery less invasive for future participants.