Audrey Crews, identified as P9 in Neuralink's PRIME clinical trial, has successfully written her name using only her thoughts, marking a significant milestone two decades after being paralyzed. Crews shared her achievement on social media, stating, "I tried writing my name for the first time in 20 years. Im working on it. Lol #Neuralink." This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to restore capabilities for individuals with severe neurological conditions.
Neuralink's implantable BCI device works by capturing neural signals generated when an individual thinks of an action. These signals are then wirelessly transmitted to an external device, such as a computer, where algorithms interpret them into commands. In Crews' case, her thoughts were translated into actions on a screen, enabling her to manipulate a cursor and write without physical input.
The PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) Study is an investigational medical device trial designed to evaluate the safety and initial functionality of Neuralink's N1 implant and R1 surgical robot. The study targets individuals with tetraplegia due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), aiming to empower them to control external devices with their minds.
Crews is the second publicly known participant to showcase the device's capabilities, following Noland Arbaugh, who was the first human to receive the Neuralink implant in January 2024. Arbaugh demonstrated control over a computer cursor and playing games using his thoughts. The company aims to implant devices in additional participants, with Elon Musk confirming the achievement and highlighting the technology's potential for mind-controlled interaction.
This development underscores Neuralink's progress in its mission to create high-bandwidth brain-machine interfaces. The company, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, seeks to enable people with paralysis to interact with digital environments and eventually expand human capabilities. The PRIME study is a long-term commitment for participants, involving extensive follow-up to monitor device performance and patient well-being.