April 29, 2025 – Neuralink, the brainchild of tech visionary Elon Musk, has achieved another significant milestone by successfully implanting its brain-computer interface (BCI) device in a third human subject, as confirmed by recent developments. The latest recipient, Bradford G Smith, who is the first individual with aphasia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s disease,” to participate in Neuralink’s trials, has shared a groundbreaking video showcasing his transformative experience.
In the nearly ten-minute video released yesterday, Smith demonstrated how he can now interact with external devices and regain his ability to communicate using AI-powered technology. As the third participant in Neuralink’s trials, Smith’s journey is particularly remarkable because he is not only the first ALS patient but also the first person with aphasia to undergo the BCI implantation.
The video, which is believed to be the first ever edited directly using a BCI device, features Smith controlling a cursor and operating a computer with remarkable precision. He also utilized AI to restore his pre-existing voice for the video’s narration. In his introduction, Smith wrote, “I’m typing these words with my mind, and this is now my primary mode of communication.”
Before the implantation, Smith relied heavily on eye-tracking technology, which limited his interactions to dark or low-light environments and prevented him from leaving his home. However, with the BCI, he has been able to connect with external devices, as illustrated in the video where he is seen controlling a computer cursor. Expressing his newfound freedom, Smith remarked, “This week, I achieved something that might seem ordinary to you but was extraordinary for me – I used a computer on my porch! I attended my child’s soccer game, and even though the referee thought I was asleep, I was able to communicate outside. I’m even considering traveling outside the city for the first time in five years.”
Neuralink’s ongoing clinical trials, PRIME and CONVOY, are focused on restoring autonomy to paralyzed individuals through external devices. The company received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2023 to commence human trials, with Noland Arbaugh and Alex being the first and second participants, respectively.
Earlier this month, Neuralink announced the launch of a global patient registration system, aiming to expand its PRIME clinical trial to a second site in Miami, Florida, in addition to its initial location in Phoenix, Arizona.
According to Bloomberg, Neuralink is currently in the process of raising 500millioninfunding,withanestimatedvaluationof8.5 billion. Furthermore, the company’s Austin office park is slated for completion in May 2025, marking another significant step in Neuralink’s journey toward revolutionizing neurotechnology.
