“The overarching goal of Neuralink is to create a generalised brain interface; a kind of symbiosis with AI.”
-Elon Musk
Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-tech company, is turning sci-fi into reality. Its brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are already helping people with paralysis control digital devices using only their thoughts.
In its 2025 public update, the Neuralink team revealed stunning progress. From FDA approvals to fundraising to future plans in mind-controlled gaming, speech restoration through AI, and much more!
Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, what’s working, and what’s coming next.
Neuralink update: Recent progress & summer 2025 highlights
Human trials and breakthrough stories
Neuralink launched its first-in-human clinical trial called the PRIME Study in late 2023 after receiving FDA approval. By mid-2025, at least five people, including those with paralysis from spinal cord injuries and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), will have been implanted.
Here’s how they are using just their thoughts to control computers and smartphones:
Noland Arbaugh: The first patient
Paralysed from the shoulders down, Noland was implanted in January 2024. Since then, he’s amazed even the engineers.
“I can play chess, browse the web, and use a phone, all just with my brain,” Noland shared.
He is playing Civilisation VI, drawing digital images, sending messages, and even playing video games completely hands-free.
There were some early issues with the implant’s threads, but Neuralink resolved them by improving the software, allowing Noland to use it smoothly again.
Brad Smith: Restoring a voice
Brad, the first ALS patient in the trial, used the Neuralink device to narrate and edit a YouTube video using only brain signals. A custom AI model trained on his pre-ALS voice recordings restored his natural speech.
“Brad played Mario Kart with his kids,” Neuralink co-founder DJ Seo shared. “That moment… was incredible.”
Telepathy, Blindsight & the next era of BCIs
Neuralink has now branded its core solutions:
- Telepathy: Enables people to control devices through thought.
- Blindsight: Aims to restore vision in people who are blind.
These systems are being developed in parallel. Telepathy is already in active trials, and Blindsight received an FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in June 2025. It’s a major step toward accelerated testing and approvals.
Neuralink’s robotic limb control
Mind controlled robotic limb was Neuralink’s most powerful demonstration in the 2025 update.
Using only brain signals, participants have started learning how to move a robotic arm, control its position, gestures, and even precision grip. While still in the early stages, this is a critical step toward restoring full motor function for people with paralysis or limb loss.
“This is the first time we’ve shown neural control of an external device with multi-dimensional precision,” explained DJ Seo. “It’s not just moving left or right; it’s reaching, grasping, holding.”
This kind of interface could one day allow users to:
- Manipulate prosthetic limbs naturally,
- Perform complex daily tasks like eating or brushing teeth,
- Interact with their environment more independently.
Neuralink’s tech upgrades
Neuralink’s N1 implant is a wireless, rechargeable device that records brain signals. It’s connected to ultra-thin threads, each smaller than a human hair, implanted via a high-precision surgical robot.
N1 implant’s tech upgrade includes:
- Improved spike detection and signal decoding using custom ML models.
- A new “Rho” metric to measure implant quality in real-time.
- Better power efficiency and more reliable battery life.
As a result, the upgraded N1 Link implant can
- Read brain signals more accurately,
- Is safer for the body,
- Lasts longer on a charge,
- Offers smoother control through more electrodes.
The surgical robot, capable of placing hundreds of 25–50 µm electrode threads per minute, continues to be fine-tuned for safety and precision.
“We’ve made huge advances in our surgical robot. It can now implant hundreds of threads in just minutes,” said lead engineer Paul Merolla.
Thought-based control, creativity & communication
The update wasn’t just about hardware; the software is also evolving rapidly.
Neuralink participants can now:
- Control a mouse (including drag-and-click),
- Use key mapping to play complex games like Call of Duty,
- Browse the internet,
- Send messages,
- Draw digital art,
- Operate robotic arms.
“We’re at the point where someone can control a phone and a cursor using only their brain. It’s not just clinical. It’s functional,” said DJ Seo.
The team is also testing mobile interfaces to allow Neuralink users to operate smartphones entirely via thought.
$650 million funding boost
Neuralink raised $650 million in its latest funding round from major investors like ARK and Sequoia. The company is now valued at $9 billion.
This funding will help speed up trials and work on new projects like restoring sight and speech.
What to expect next?
Global trials
Neuralink is preparing to expand clinical trials beyond the U.S to Canada, the UK, Germany, and the UAE. By the end of 2025, the company aims to enrol 20–30 new participants globally.
And yes, if you or a loved one has ALS or quadriplegia, you can apply to join upcoming trials via Neuralink’s website.
Better design & safety
The team is working on longer-lasting implants and improving surgical precision in how the robot places the chip. They’re also working to fix early issues like thread retraction.
Restoring more senses
Alongside movement and communication, Neuralink is exploring how to restore lost vision, hearing, and speech. It is also planning to scale up AI-driven speech restoration.
Refining robotic limb control
Neuralink is also working to refine robotic limb control. It is currently building closed-loop systems where the brain not only sends commands but also receives feedback (like touch or pressure), mimicking natural movement.
Why this matters
Neuralink is no longer just a sci-fi idea. It’s helping people regain control over their lives. For those who can’t move or speak, this tech could offer freedom and dignity.
“It’s about giving people back the ability to communicate, to work, to create, to live more fully,” said Elon.
Its rapid progress is also pushing the entire brain tech industry forward. While companies like Synchron focus on less invasive methods, Neuralink’s deeper brain implant approach offers more detailed brain data and greater possibilities.
There are several challenges that Neuralink has to address, like ethical debates, safety concerns, and scaling responsibly.
However, the latest updates show one thing clearly: we’re entering the age of mind-controlled technology.
-By Rinkle Dudhani and AHT Team
