Neuralink Implants Brain Chip in Ninth Human Subject: A Step Toward Human-AI Symbiosis
Elon Musk’s brain interface company, Neuralink, has successfully implanted its brain-computer interface chip into a ninth human volunteer. This milestone puts the company one step closer to its long-term goal — merging human cognition with artificial intelligence.
First reported by The Times of India, this marks a crucial moment in Neuralink’s journey, as it fine-tunes its telepathic communication goals.
Let’s explore what this means, how it works, and the future of brain technology.
What Is Neuralink?
Neuralink is a neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk in 2016. Its goal is to create a direct link between the human brain and computers using ultra-thin wires and implantable chips.
Its device, called The Link, consists of a chip implanted in the skull with tiny threads that reach into the brain. These threads detect neural activity and allow a person to:
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Move a cursor using only their mind
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Type on a screen just by thinking
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Eventually, communicate complex thoughts wirelessly
Neuralink’s mission is not just medical. Elon Musk claims it will help "achieve symbiosis with AI" — allowing humans to keep up with machine intelligence.
The Ninth Patient: Why It Matters
The ninth human test subject reportedly underwent surgery earlier this month and is already participating in signal decoding trials.
While the identity of the patient is confidential, internal reports suggest:
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The chip is performing stable neural readings.
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Early cognitive responses are being successfully translated into cursor movement.
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No signs of severe immune rejection or infection have been reported so far.
This follows the first human implant in early 2024, who was able to play chess and browse the web using only brain signals.
With this ninth implant, Neuralink has enough data to start comparing performance across users — helping them improve the chip’s software and AI-driven interpretation models.
How Does Neuralink’s Brain Chip Work?
Here’s a breakdown of how the system functions:
1. The Chip (Link)
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Roughly the size of a coin
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Implanted in the skull
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Contains thousands of electrodes that monitor brain activity
2. Surgical Robot
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Performs precise surgery to insert fine threads
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Avoids damaging blood vessels
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Takes about 2 hours
3. Wireless Data
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The chip transmits brain signals to a nearby computer or device
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AI software decodes the signals in real-time
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Allows the user to control external tech with thought
This is not science fiction anymore — it’s happening now in real clinical settings.
Why Is Neuralink Doing This?
Neuralink has both short-term and long-term goals:
Short-Term: Medical Uses
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Help paralyzed people control phones, tablets, or wheelchairs
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Restore vision to the blind
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Treat brain conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and depression
Long-Term: Cognitive Enhancement
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Merge human thought with artificial intelligence
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Create telepathic communication systems
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Backup human memories and thoughts
Elon Musk has said:
“We are trying to solve brain and spine problems with a seamlessly implanted device.”
Eventually, he sees this as a way for humans to compete with or partner with superintelligent AI.
Are There Risks?
Yes. As exciting as it is, implanting tech in the brain comes with big risks:
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Surgical Complications – bleeding, swelling, infection
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Device Failure – electronics may break or malfunction
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Privacy Concerns – who controls your brain data?
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Ethical Questions – could this be used for control or surveillance?
Experts in neuroscience and ethics say rigorous testing and regulation will be key before Neuralink can go mainstream.
So far, the U.S. FDA has only allowed limited human trials.
Competition: Neuralink Is Not Alone
Neuralink is the most famous brain tech startup — but it’s not the only one.
Other Players in the Field:
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Synchron: Uses blood vessels to insert brain-computer devices non-surgically.
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Paradromics: Building high-bandwidth brain interfaces for medical use.
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Blackrock Neurotech: Already has decades of research in implanted electrodes.
Some of these companies are already FDA-approved, while Neuralink is still in early stages.
What’s Next for Neuralink?
With 9 human implants now complete, Neuralink’s next steps are likely:
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Scaling trials to more patients
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Improving decoding speed and accuracy
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Gaining full FDA approval for medical use
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Starting non-medical enhancement trials by late 2026
Musk has also teased an eventual Neuralink app store — where developers could create custom mind-controlled apps.
Final Thoughts
The ninth successful Neuralink implant is a big step toward what once seemed impossible — real-time mind-machine communication. It brings hope for people with disabilities, but it also raises big questions about ethics, safety, and privacy.