Neuralink Expands Human Trials, 12 People Now Using Brain Implants

Elon Musk’s Neuralink announced Tuesday that 12 people worldwide have received its brain implants, marking steady progress in its clinical rollout.

Key Details

• Patient Numbers: Up from 7 in June, when partner Barrow Neurological Institute confirmed its involvement.

• Usage Stats: Collectively, patients have logged 2,000 days of implant use and over 15,000 hours of activity, using the device to control both digital and physical tools through thought.

• Trials Abroad: A new clinical study will launch in the UK, partnering with University College London Hospitals and Newcastle Hospitals.

• Funding: Neuralink raised $650 million in June to support expansion.

Background

• Neuralink began human trials in 2024 after overcoming U.S. FDA safety objections that initially blocked approval in 2022.

• The company’s implants are aimed at restoring movement and communication for people with severe paralysis, representing a major step in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

Outlook

• The trials will help Neuralink test long-term safety, reliability, and potential new medical applications.

• If successful, the technology could pave the way for broader use cases — from medical rehabilitation to advanced human-computer interaction.