At least two patients have now been implanted with Neuralink’s brain chip, marking a significant advancement for Elon Musk’s neurotechnology firm, despite some hurdles encountered along the way. With these initial developments in progress, Neuralink is already focusing on its next wave of innovation.

### What’s on the horizon for Neuralink?

The company’s new goal involves merging its brain chip technology with robotic limbs, striving to realize what Musk has referred to as the “Luke Skywalker solution.”

#### **Can Neuralink operate a robotic arm?**

Neuralink is gearing up to conduct trials to assess whether its brain chip implant can control an “investigational assistive robotic arm.”

“This marks a crucial initial step towards reclaiming both digital and physical freedom,” Neuralink mentioned in a post on X (previously Twitter). These trials have been branded the CONVOY study.

Musk has discussed this vision in the past, highlighting Neuralink’s aim to assist those with spinal cord injuries, quadriplegia, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in regaining complete bodily movement.

“When a Neuralink integrates with Optimus robot limbs, the Luke Skywalker solution can become a reality,” Musk conveyed in a September 2023 post on X, referencing a moment from *Star Wars* where Luke Skywalker utilizes a robotic prosthetic hand.

### Obstacles and scrutiny

In spite of its ambitious objectives, Neuralink has encountered backlash regarding its animal testing procedures. Reports indicated that at least 12 monkeys perished during the trials, leading to scrutiny from groups such as the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. The organization has accused Musk of misleading investors by asserting that Neuralink was not accountable for the monkey fatalities.

As Neuralink advances with its pioneering research, the company continues to address both scientific hurdles and ethical issues.