Neuralink, the company specializing in neurointerface development, has presented a new project aimed at restoring vision in people with visual impairments. During a recent presentation, Elon Musk revealed that his team is actively working on an implant code-named Blindsight, reports the Baltimore Chronicle, citing Fox News.
According to the developers, the implant is designed to directly transmit visual information from an external camera to the brain, bypassing the damaged optic nerve. The system works with electrodes that detect signals and send them to the relevant areas of the cerebral cortex responsible for visual perception.
Musk emphasized that the implant is intended to help even those who have completely lost their ability to see. It is expected that the device will not only provide basic object recognition but, over time, allow for a level of vision comparable to natural sight.
This project marks the second major step for Neuralink in the field of neurotechnology after the successful implantation of a device in a patient with paralysis, who has already demonstrated the ability to control a computer through thought. Musk stressed that the potential applications of neurointerfaces extend far beyond treating injuries — the technology has the ability to significantly improve the quality of life for millions of people with vision impairments.
While the timeline for clinical trials has not yet been specified, Neuralink is already conducting preliminary studies with the expectation of moving on to human testing. The company assures that all ethical and safety standards are being followed, and the technology is under the oversight of experts in neurobiology and engineering.
Earlier we wrote that Musk sold social network X to his company for $45 billion.