Neuralink’s Vision Implant Is Ready, Now Awaits Official Approval

    “Neuralink” founder Elon Musk shared new information on October 30 about “Blindsight,” the company’s 2nd product. He claims that the system could help people who are completely blind or have never had sight to see. The product is technically ready and is awaiting approval from regulators.    “Blindsight” is being developed to create an artificial visual pathway in the brain. A camera will capture the surroundings, and the system will convert the images into signals that the brain can understand. To do this, an implant called a BCI will be placed in the brain. This technology creates a direct connection between the brain and a computer. Musk did not provide information about the image quality or when clinical trials will begin.    Although “Neuralink” was founded in 2016, it did not begin human trials until 2024. The first person to receive the implant could move a computer cursor using thought. At a later stage, participants also played “World of Warcraft” with the help of the implant. The company’s first product is called “Telepathy.”    “Telepathy” is designed to control computers using thought and communicate without typing. Musk claims that the system’s data transfer speed will eventually be considerably higher than a person’s fastest typing speed. So far, the implant has only been demonstrated in tasks such as controlling a cursor and playing games.    Most current BCI projects focus on using brain signals to control external devices. “Blindsight” aims to transmit information in the opposite direction, from a camera to the brain. Cochlear implants similarly transmit sound signals to the brain and help people hear. “Neuralink” has not announced when its vision system will be released.