Elon Musk’s neurotechnology venture, Neuralink, prepares to take a significant leap forward with its latest device – the ‘Blindsight’ chip. The company intends to begin human trials of this brain implant by the end of 2025. Designed to help people who are completely blind, the chip could mark a revolutionary step in merging neuroscience with technology to restore lost senses.

First Human Trial is Likely in 2025

Speaking at a town hall event held in Wisconsin, Elon Musk shared that Neuralink aims to perform its first human implantation of the Blindsight device sometime this year. The core objective is to enable someone without any vision to begin seeing, even if initially in a basic form. While this goal remains ambitious, the company believes it is achievable with the progress in animal testing.

Early Stages Will Offer Basic Visual Input

Musk cautioned that the initial visual output will likely resemble early digital imagery — similar to pixelated graphics seen in classic video games. However, the long-term vision for the chip is far more advanced. According to him, the technology has the potential to progress to a point where it can offer sight that is even superior to natural human vision.

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Positive Results in Animal Testing

The device has already undergone testing on monkeys, with Musk claiming that the chip has been working effectively in non-human primates for several years. These trials provide a foundation of confidence for moving ahead with human experimentation. The technology taps directly into the brain’s visual cortex, the region responsible for processing visual data.

How the 'Blindsight' Chip Works

At its core, the Blindsight system consists of a microelectrode array implanted in the visual cortex of the brain. It is connected to an external camera that captures real-world imagery. This input is then converted into neural signals that stimulate the brain, allowing the user to "see" through the chip. The approach bypasses damaged optic nerves or eyes entirely, offering a new pathway to vision.

Recognised as a Breakthrough by the FDA

In a major regulatory milestone, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the Blindsight chip ‘breakthrough device’ designation in September last year. This status is reserved for innovations that address debilitating or life-threatening conditions and allows for a faster development and review process. While this approval doesn’t confirm the device’s effectiveness just yet, it does reflect strong potential.

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A Long Road Ahead, Despite the Buzz

Despite the buzz surrounding the device, experts urge caution. The FDA’s breakthrough status is a promising sign but not a guaranteed path to success. The technology must undergo thorough clinical testing to ensure both its safety and its effectiveness. If successful, it could redefine how we treat blindness and even challenge our current understanding of human senses.