Neuralink, the brain-chip startup founded by Elon Musk, has received FDA approval for its experimental implant, Blindsight, under the ‘breakthrough device’ designation. This implant is designed to restore vision, even for individuals who have lost both eyes or their optic nerve.
Musk explained the implant’s potential, stating, “Provided the visual cortex is intact, it will enable those blind from birth to see for the first time.”
Musk added that the initial version of the device will provide low-resolution vision, comparing it to “Atari graphics,” but with further advancements, “it has the potential to be better than natural vision and enable you to see in infrared, ultraviolet, or even radar wavelengths.”
The company is seeking volunteers through its Patient Registry. While no specific timeline for human trials has been shared, the breakthrough is a significant step toward fulfilling Neuralink’s broader mission to assist those with disabilities. The company is also working on a brain-chip interface aimed at helping paralyzed patients communicate with and control digital devices through thought alone.
