Elon Musk Claims "Full Body Functionality" Possible with Neuralink Breakthrough
In a breakthrough, On Saturday, billionaire Elon Musk stated that his brain-computer interface firm, Neuralink, has the potential to fully restore body functionality. The breakthrough focuses on the motor cortex, restoring “full body functionality” for people with severed spinal cord injuries.
Musk stated that Neuralink's technology might facilitate communication between the cortex and regions in the neck or spine where nerve damage has occurred. He said, "It is possible from a physics standpoint to physically restore full body functionality."This advancement is a result of Musk's continuous endeavors to create cutting-edge neurotechnology aimed at addressing neurological disorders and spinal cord injuries.
“I am confident at this point that restoring full body functionality is possible with Neuralink,” the founder of Tesla and SpaceX posted on the social media platform X. “Neuralink can essentially help bridge communications from the cortex, past the point in the neck or spine, where the nerves are damaged. It is possible from a physics standpoint to physically restore full body functionality,” he further said in a video post.
Neuralink plans automated surgical procedure in 2026
Elon Musk's Neuralink is also ramping up production of brain-computer interface devices, with the company co-founder announcing plans for a streamlined, nearly fully automated surgical procedure.
“Neuralink will start high-volume production of brain-computer interface devices and move to a streamlined, almost entirely automated surgical procedure in 2026. Device threads will go through the dura without the need to remove it. This is a big deal,” he shared on X.
Cortex Technology
In 2022, Neuralink made significant strides in neurotechnology with the introduction of its motor cortex technology, launching human trials that same year. The device is designed with a chip that replaces a small portion of bone and connects to the brain using a network of thin, flexible electrodes. The N1 implant, which includes 1,024 electrodes spread across 64 threads, was implanted in 12 patients by September 2026.
Blindsight
In early 2026, Neuralink also made headlines with its breakthrough device aimed at restoring vision, called Blindsight. The device was granted "breakthrough device" status by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2024. Blindsight offers new hope for those suffering from vision loss, including individuals who have been blind since birth.
According to Musk, the device has the potential to restore sight for those who have lost both eyes, provided their visual cortex remains intact. Neuralink is set to begin high-volume production of the device in 2026, further advancing the company's neurotechnology capabilities.
